The EBACE trade show will remain in Geneva in 2026 and then move to other European cities in alternating years under plans announced today by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA). The industry group did not say which other locations are under consideration for future show sites, but confirmed that a static display of aircraft will be back in the format when the event is staged from May 27 to 29, 2026.
EBAA has been reviewing future plans for EBACE since August 2024 when the NBAA offloaded its stake in the annual show. It has been widely anticipated that the event might permanently relocate to another European city, but the European association’s new leadership team has opted to retain Geneva as what it called a “home base.”
In an announcement that was deferred from June 30, EBAA said that the EBACE exhibitor roster will now be opened up to welcome, “industries that naturally complement business aviation.” The group said it has already received strong support from leading manufacturers after most of the main business aircraft makers stayed away from the 2025 show.
New Leadership at EBAA
On June 27, EBAA’s board of directors appointed Stefan Benz as interim managing director to replace Holger Krahmer, who had served as secretary general for 18 months since January 2024. Separately, COO Robert Baltus announced he is leaving the organization to take up a management position with Dutch aircraft operator Zeusch Aviation.
Three days later, EBAA announced it had postponed a planned announcement about the future of the EBACE show, which has been held since 2001 at the PalExpo center at Geneva Airport. The group said that it was taking more time to “review the event’s future set-up.”
“This is really exciting,” Benz said in the July 31 announcement. “By moving between Geneva and other European cities, EBACE will deliver a dual advantage for exhibitors, visitors and sponsors. Geneva offers a world-class platform with its proven static display and infrastructure, whilst alternating years allow us to reach new audiences, new markets and showcase business aviation in a broader way.”
Around half a dozen other European cities have been under consideration as alternative locations for EBACE. While never officially confirmed by EBAA, these are understood to include Vienna, Paris, the London area, Frankfurt, Milan, Dublin and Barcelona. The association said more details will be shared once decisions have been finalized.
“Keeping Geneva as the anchor ensures the same leading standard the industry expects, whilst alternating locations and welcoming adjacent industries will bring fresh energy and unlock even greater opportunities for collaboration with our members, national associations and stakeholders,” concluded Benz. He formerly held senior leadership positions with business aviation services groups Jet Aviation and Luxaviation.
EBAA said it has acknowledged repeated concerns expressed about the high cost of attending the show in Geneva. "As part of our ongoing planning, we are reviewing all aspects of the event to ensure that EBACE remains the most impactful and cost-effective platform for the industry," a spokesperson told AIN. "This includes negotiating with suppliers and venues, optimizing operational efficiencies, and exploring operational efficiencies, and exploring ways to deliver even greater value for exhibitors and attendees."