After weeks of uncertainty and considerable behind-the-scenes efforts, Switzerland’s National Day brought encouraging news for the country’s economic future: the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) will remain in Geneva, albeit in an evolved format.
For several weeks, industry organizations had quietly begun to regain hope that Geneva would retain the EBACE show at Palexpo — not only to maintain this flagship event within one of Europe’s principal aviation hubs, but also to preserve the entire value chain that enables the hosting of such a high-profile international exhibition.
On July 30, the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), the event’s organiser, confirmed that EBACE will remain in Geneva in 2026, with the next edition scheduled to take place at Palexpo from 27 to 29 May.
Helene Niedhart, Vice-President of the Swiss Business Aviation Association (SBAA), welcomed the announcement as a victory for Switzerland: “We have always had confidence in the unique appeal of our country and in the distinct value proposition of Geneva — where business aviation represents a key structural asset.”
Locally, Walter Chetcuti is the president of the AGAA, the Geneva Business Aviation Association, that defends business aviation as an essential part of the attractiveness of the international city. Walter Chetcuti commended the efforts of all stakeholders involved for “meeting the expectations of the organisers and providing the necessary support to ensure the show remains in Switzerland.” Following extensive discussions among all actors of International Geneva — including public authorities, the business aviation community, and economic associations — the EBAA opted for a compromise: EBACE will now alternate, taking place in Geneva every other year, with the alternate editions being hosted in a different European city each time.
According to Stefan Benz, Interim CEO of the EBAA, this new formula offers an optimal balance: “By alternating between Geneva and other European cities, EBACE will provide a dual benefit to exhibitors, attendees, and sponsors. Geneva offers a world-class platform with its static display and proven infrastructure, while rotating the location every other year allows us to tap into new markets and broaden the reach of business aviation.”
In 2026, the event will indeed stay to Geneva, its host city for over 25 years. The format will also revert to normal, including the return of the “static display” — a designated section of the airport tarmac where manufacturers showcase full-size aircraft. This component is a major draw for both exhibitors and visitors. Its reinstatement was made possible thanks to extensive coordination among Geneva Airport teams, professional associations (SBAA and the Geneva based AGAA) and numerous institutions dedicated to enhancing the region’s appeal, including chambers of commerce, Geneva Tourism, and of course, various political authorities.
The decision to hold the event in other cities every second year may disappoint some. However, according to aviation consultant Philippe Meyer, a seasoned observer of the sector, “alternating with another European city every two years is not a retreat — it is an expansion. Geneva remains the natural home of the show, its strategic anchor point.”
This view is shared by the EBAA leadership. “Maintaining Geneva as our anchor location ensures the consistent level of excellence that the industry expects,” affirmed Stefan Benz. A level of excellence that is widely acknowledged and indisputable — tying the long-term future of EBACE to Geneva and marking the beginning of a new chapter for the region. As Philippe Meyer puts it, “this decision formally establishes Geneva as the European hub for the future of business aviation. In an era of fierce competition among major cities to host international events, it is a clear demonstration of Swiss know-how: discretion, efficiency, a robust public-private partnership, and strategic vision.”
“This exemplary mobilisation of Geneva’s key stakeholders gives us strong confidence in the future” added Helene Niedhart. For the SBAA, this excellent outcome confirms a growing recognition of the strategic importance of business aviation as a professional tool for the region, and more broadly, of the vital connection between enabling conditions and economic prosperity across Switzerland.
“At a time of heightened concern about the future of International Geneva in light of global political developments, our country is fortunate not only to possess unique and exceptional assets, but also to demonstrate a real capacity to come together — to share them, explain them, strengthen them, and make them visible to the decision-makers who matter,” concluded the SBAA Vice-President.