Dougherty Quinn ("DQ") was once again represented at
the Annual European Business Aviation Convention
("EBACE") in Geneva in May 2013. Attending were
Paul Blake, COO and
Stephen Dougherty, senior associate and a member of DQ's
specialist aviation team.
The number of delegates was on a par with attendance figures in
recent years, with 12,353 attending. There were 460 exhibitors and
52 aircraft showcased in the static display. Due to
re-configuration of the halls, the conference appeared to some as
less busy than previous years, but the figures released have shown
this was a misconception and EBACE continues to be as strong as
ever. As Brian Humphreys, President of the European Business
Aviation Association (EBAA) stated, "As we conclude EBACE, one
thing remains clear: EBACE continues to be the single-most
important European event on the industry's calendar, and the
best opportunity for buyers and sellers to connect in
Europe."
Highlights of the conference were Bombardier's launch of its
Challenger 350 and the Pilatus PC-24. The launch of the 350 was a
surprise to many due to ongoing success and popularity of the 300
and the PC-24's ability to land on rough runways creates unique
markets for itself when it is delivered in 2017 at a cost of
$8.9m.
EBAA CEO Fabio Gamba, summed up his impression of the current
status of the industry and the mood at EBACE when he stated,
"What I saw at EBACE 2013 was an industry that is not only
addressing the economic situation in this region, but one that is
taking the necessary steps to ensure that business aviation remains
essential in Europe."
The Isle of Man Aircraft Registry continues to grow and to be held
in great esteem by those in the industry. Whilst other registers
may pose some competition to the Isle of Man, many of those
attending EBACE were quick to compliment and comment on its
flexibility and commercial approach, advantages which will
certainly hold it in good stead as it continues to grow in the
future.
DQ's specialist aviation team advises many of the world's
leading aircraft lenders, managers, fiduciaries and owners on using
the Isle of Man register and related legal transactions.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.