EBACE 2023

EBACE is the prestigious European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition held annually in Geneva, Switzerland. Having had the privilege of attending for the first time in 2022, I was filled with anticipation as I returned a year later on Monday, May 22nd, 2023. Fortunately, my journey to Geneva Airport proved to be swift.
Following my morning's rigorous mathematics finals, I promptly boarded the next train bound for Geneva Airport. Arriving at 2 pm, I wasted no time and proceeded directly to the expansive aircraft display, eager to immerse myself in the experience and diligently follow my schedule. However, Monday presented a paradoxical blend of fortune and misfortune. While EBACE is typically less bustling on Mondays, not all exhibitors had yet readied their aircraft for exhibition.

FIVE Airbus ACJtwotwenty

The most highly anticipated aircraft showcased at this year's EBACE was undoubtedly the ACJtwotwenty, presented by Airbus and Comlux. Making its inaugural public appearance only a few weeks prior to the convention, this remarkable aircraft boasts an impressive range of 5650nm or 10460km, with a maximum flying time of up to 12.5 hours. Undeniably, the ACJtwotwenty stands as an exemplar of a VIP airliner, exhibiting unparalleled capability.
Derived from the A220-100 platform, the ACJtwotwenty offers exceptional versatility, allowing for numerous configurations to accommodate up to 18 passengers in the utmost comfort and opulence.
Naturally, I was not the sole reporter eager to witness the ACJtwotwenty firsthand, both inside and out. Just moments before the conclusion of the day's activities, as the aircraft was about to be closed for public, I managed to seize a precious few minutes to capture the stunning interior and marvel at the cabin's lighting system.
This exquisite airframe encompasses a spacious living room, a dedicated TV room, and a sumptuous bedroom at the rear, complete with a luxurious king-size bed. The floor is adorned with the most lavishly comfortable carpet I have ever had the pleasure of stepping upon.

Opus Aero Airbus ACJ319neo

Another captivating exhibitor that commanded attention this year was Opus Aero, showcasing their Airbus ACJ319neo. It was a momentous occasion for me, as I had never before laid eyes upon an A319neo, let alone an ACJ319neo, rendering the experience all the more enthralling. Remarkably, this aircraft is merely two years old, with a mere 74 total flight hours at the time of writing this article. Based on the A319neo, the ACJ319neo offers an extended range of up to 6750nm or 12500km, typically accommodating 8 passengers. Presently, in 2023, acquiring one of these remarkable planes would require a staggering investment of at least $107.5 million, solidifying its position as the most exorbitant business jet at EBACE 2023.
The team at Opus Aero exuded warmth and hospitality. I was granted approximately half an hour to thoroughly explore this magnificent jet, absorbing every detail and familiarizing myself with its myriad features. Their vision is to "stand out from all the mundane Western private jets," as they eloquently expressed. The interior exudes vibrant hues, adorned with captivating embellishments and decorations inspired by Chinese culture, a testament to one of their prominent markets, China.
Upon entering the aircraft, a gracefully appointed floor guides you towards the initial section of the VIP cabin. The first door on the left leads to a petite suite, featuring a luxurious lie-flat first-class seat intended primarily for crew rest. Just beyond, one encounters the expansive galley, where delectable, freshly prepared meals can be savored. Opposite the galley lies one of three lavatories, primarily designated for the entourage, much like the eight seats in the first section. These seats, adorned in exquisite Hermes fabric, provide the ultimate comfort of lie-flat recliners.
The second section unveils a grand dining room, boasting ten plush seats encircling two elegant tables. Instead of conventional bulkheads, several sizable screens grace the space, ready to display vital flight information, live television, or any content of your choosing. The third section offers a cozy haven, inviting you to unwind upon the plush couch or indulge in a glass of fine whiskey. Lastly, the bedroom unveils itself, featuring a resplendent king-size bed perfectly positioned to offer an enchanting view of the outside world. Within the bedroom, a spacious bathroom awaits, regrettably lacking a shower facility.

Gulfstream G500

This year, Gulfstream presented a remarkable customer G500, bearing the registration N3030Z. The interior design exudes timeless elegance, showcasing two opulent facing couches at the rear that seamlessly convert into a spacious bed. The seats, enveloped in a radiant beige hue, beautifully juxtapose against the darker, plush carpeting.

Gulfstream G650ER

This G650ER, also a distinguished customer aircraft, boasted a resplendent and luminous interior. It captivated me with its departure from the customary beige and brown color scheme, opting for a more enchanting palette. The aircraft showcases an exquisite TV room and a breathtaking lavatory situated at the rear, showcasing the epitome of elegance.

Gulfstream G700

Fortunately, Gulfstream presented a different G700 this year, surpassing the interior elegance of the one presented last year, in my opinion. This particular G700, the second one to roll off the production line is utilized by Gulfstream for promotional endeavors, boasts a generous living space adorned with a sumptuous couch and a television. Beyond the living area, an exceptional attribute awaits — a fixed bed, a rarity among purpose-built business jets, yet a truly remarkable feature, in my estimation. To further elevate its allure, a petite bathroom lies behind the bedroom, complete with a fully functional shower — a remarkable addition indeed.

Some more impressions

EBACE once again delivered an impressive array of aircraft. Among the fleet of aircraft that I have yet to present, the Gulfstream G800, with the registration N800G, stood as the pinnacle of my experience. It marked the debut of this exceptional model, serving as the first prototype. Regrettably, access to its interior was prohibited, as the cabin had not yet been installed. Another captivating aircraft that I had the pleasure of observing up close was N330RW, an alluring all-black Gulfstream G-IV(SP). Unfortunately, the aircraft was not prepared for public display, leaving me yearning to explore its inner marvels. Following my encounter with the fourth prototype of the Falcon 6X in the preceding year, I was graced with the opportunity to capture the third prototype this year. This magnificent aircraft, registered as F-WAVE, adorns the identical livery as its counterpart from the previous year. Concluding my "best of the rest" selection is N1TS, a remarkable Boeing 737-700BBJ, also known as the BBJ1. Its understated yet refined color scheme gracefully accentuates the aircraft's sleek contours.