AIR OPS Europe Brings Together Ground Support Community

Europe’s premier event for business aviation flight operations professionals saw a significant rise in attendance and enthusiasm at its second annual edition this week. Feedback from attendees, exhibitors and organizers alike confirms AIR OPS Europe’s value to the business aviation industry. AIR OPS Europe 2017 drew some 40 exhibitors – up by 30% - and more than 350 attendees – almost doubling attendance – to the two-day conference and exhibition at Cannes-Mandelieu Airport.

"AIR OPS Europe answers the need for a platform for the BizAv community to build relationships, strengthen skillsets, drive competitiveness, and better position themselves for the future," said Brandon Mitchener, CEO of EBAA, the organiser of the show.

"This is a unique and valuable opportunity for the airport and ground services community in Europe to network, discuss issues and build closer relationships with customers and prospects," said Edwin Niemöller, FBO Director, KLM Jet Center. "We’ll be returning next year!"

"AIR OPS Europe is a very convenient industry event," said Andreas Becker, CEO and Founder, GAS German Aviation Service. "I can really take my time to sit down with customers and partners and have serious, valuable discussions, which is why we will be back in 2018."

A new highlight of this year’s event was an innovation corner, featuring cutting edge service providers. “The Connected World of Aviation is a group of aviation technology companies who believe that, through simple, easy and free sharing of data, we can dramatically add value to business aviation,” said Paolo Sommariva, CEO Flexx.

At the show’s opening, keynote speaker Claire-Anne Reix of the office of the mayor of Cannes, emphasized the importance of business aviation for the local and regional economy.

The other keynote speaker, Thierry Pollet, Director of Cannes Airport, confirmed his group’s satisfaction at hosting an event that enhances the appeal of a sector so vital to business and the local community.

"Thanks to all of EBAA's hard work that goes into this event, the great facilities and people here at Cannes Airport, and most of all, the exhibitors and attendees, we have pulled off a bigger, better edition of AIR OPS Europe," added EBAA’s Chairman, Juergen Wiese.