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The Future of Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition 2014

Overview

EVA and the industry’s first ever dedicated FBO Expo event took place on 17th to 18th February at the Heathrow Hilton, and ran as a companion event to the highly successful inaugural “Future of Business Aviation Conference.” Twinning the two events ensured that delegates had a tremendous opportunity to view the displays and to chat with exhibitors during the breaks. It also gave the exhibitors access to a highly focused group of senior executives, including leading charter operators and brokers, from across the business aviation industry.

The FBOs exhibiting at the Expo ranged from big network operators such as Signature and Jet Aviation, to single site FBOs such as the Helsinki airport based Finavia and Mapiex International, the general aviation and FBO company, voted the best FBO in Latin America, by Pro Pilot’s PRASE Survey in 2013. EVA was also delighted to welcome Tyrolean Jet Services to the Expo, which has been operating its air charter and jet management services out of Innsbruck, Austria since 1978. London City Airport, which enjoys the distinction of being the only private jet centre situated within London, took advantage of the Expo to showcase its range of services. Meridian, the award winning, Teterboro New York based FBO and private aviation company, has the distinction of being the longest serving operating aviation company in the NY metropolitan area. The company justly claims to offer a world-class experience to its clients and its operations include air charter services, aircraft management and maintenance services.

The service sector was represented by Celebi, Flightworx Aviation and Service People. Celebi, which was also a key sponsor of the Future of Business Aviation conference, has a presence on two continents, five countries and across numerous airports, where it provides a range of GH, cargo and platinum business aviation services to over 300 customers. Flightworx provides quality flight support services internationally. The Hamburg based company, Service People, provides a range of services to VIPs and business and private clients, including flight planning, hotel reservations and a range of concierge services.

What was key about the Expo was the opportunity it afforded the FBOs to meet a range of top executives, particularly charter operators and brokers, and to forge relationships outside their usual customer base. The relaxed ambiance of the coffee and tea breaks enabled exhibitors to talk to delegates and visitors to the Expo in an environment that was conducive to quality networking. They had the satisfaction of knowing that the executives they met on their stands were not being subject to all the distractions of a major international event such as EBACE or NBAA.

Charter operators and brokers are absolutely a core focus for FBOs when it comes to relationship building. As clients they are extremely demanding, because they have to be – their customers are among the most discerning and sophisticated people on the planet. They look to FBOs to provide a top quality, pro-active service at all times, so that all the moving parts that go to make for a smooth flight, including catering, refuelling, arranging slots and parking, all happen as they should. The Expo gave FBOs a great opportunity to showcase their capabilities to people who really can make a difference to their business. As the organiser, EVA looks forward to welcoming back everyone to the 2015 FBO Expo and to welcoming new exhibitors. Until then, have a great year!

 

Date: 17th - 18th Feb 2014
Time: 12am UTC

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