I visited EBACE2022 - Europe’s largest Business Aviation conference and exhibition in Geneva this week. More than 50 aircraft are on display from the latest single pilot to ultra-modern intercontinental jets, advanced air mobility, and eVTOL aircraft. Here's my visit report:
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Bombardier Global 8000 Announced
Bombardier has unveiled their new long-range flagship Global 8000, the world’s fastest and longest-range purpose-built business jet during EBACE2022.
With a range of 8,000 nautical miles and a top speed of Mach 0.94, the Global 8000 will be the world’s fastest and longest-range business jet. During flight testing, it set a new supersonic record of Mach 1.015 on a business jet.
Global Debuts of Gulfstream G700 and Dassault Falcon 6X
During EBACE2022, several new aircraft made their global debuts such as Gulfstream G700 and Dassault Falcon 6X. Let's take a look at the Gulfstream G700 first.
The flight deck is "symmetrical" according to the Gulfstream pilot. It shares full commonality between G500/600/700 and future Gulfstream G400/800 models.
It came with an active sidestick control on both side (when one pilot input the side stick, the other feel the same movement for safety) and the overhead and side panel are touch screen enabled. The range on G700 is 7,500 nm cruise at maximum Mach speed of 0.925.
The cabin of Gulfstream G700 no doubt is the longest of all Gulfstream on offer at the moment. It has 5 zones from club sitting, TV lounge, conference/dining to private bedroom and bathroom.
Another airplane debut at EBACE2022 is the long-awaited Dassault Falcon 6X.
With an intercontinental range of 5,500 nm, the aircraft will fly from London to Hong Kong or Los Angeles to Moscow nonstop. The aircraft is powered by new-generation Pratt & Whitney PW812D engines.
Earlier at the show, the CEO of Dassault announced the 6X will enter service in mid-2023, a 6-month delay from the previously announced date of the end of this year.
The 6X flies at a maximum ceiling of 51,000 ft (cruise at 47,000 ft) and fly at top speed of Mach 0.90.
Advanced Air Mobility on Display
The future of aviation is on display at EBACE, take a look at the flying car from PAL-V, an electric airplane with 30 ducted engine fans from Lilium, a hybrid airplane from Pipistrel and eVTOL from Ehang.
Some of these conceptual airplanes are now entering the proving stage with regulators. Lilium already did several test flights, and expects to be in service in 2025. Ehang flew in China already and expects EASA/FAA certification. Hybrid airplane Pipistrel promises a 70% saving in operating cost which may transform the general aviation sector. More information on my video.
Networking with the industry
EBACE is a great venue for networking, I spoke with Europe’s largest charter broker LunaJets on the current market conditions and the forecast of business aviation.
Finally, I met up with fellow aviator Zara Rutherford, the youngest female pilot who circumnavigated the world in a light-sport aircraft. Zara was a keynote speaker of EBACE2022.
See you at the next show!
The 2022 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) will return to Orlando, FL from October 18-20.
EBACE2023 will return to Geneva from May 23-25, 2023.