This May’s European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) will not feature an outdoor static aircraft display for the first time since the show began in 2001.

The European Business Aviation Association says the move is part of its strategy of “redefining” the annual Geneva-based event, which it will host this year on its own.

Since its launch, EBAA has organised EBACE with its US counterpart, the National Business Aviation Association, which is behind the larger Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (BACE) held each year in Las Vegas. However, in late 2024 the two bodies said they would no longer be jointly running EBACE.

EBACE had come under criticism for the high costs of exhibiting aircraft at Geneva airport, particularly after the return to live events following the pandemic. Several prominent manufacturers did not participate in last year’s edition, including Bombardier and Gulfstream.

In place of the static display, EBAA says the 2025 show, which will continue to be held in the Palexpo exhibition complex next to the airport, will focus on “delivering quality conference content and maximising networking opportunities”.

“As the leading show for business aviation in Europe, we want to ensure our format delivers for everyone who is present at EBACE,” says EBAA secretary general Holger Krahmer.

“We have listened carefully to feedback from our community and those calling for change. We often hear attendees praise the unparalleled networking opportunities and quality conference content on offer at EBACE, with real business happening on the show floor.

”As part of our commitment to amplifying our value proposition for visitors, we’ve made the strategic decision to continue with the exhibition but not to have a static display.”