Very Light Jets - Europe 2008

25- 26 September 2008- Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain

Conference Chairmen

Day 1                                                                        Day 2

José Mariano López                                                  Dr. Matthijs de Haan
Managing Director                                                    Managing Director
Barcelona Aeronautics & Space Association (BAIE)    ETIRC Aviation

50% of all business class flights with scheduled carriers in Europe are less than 500km.

In 2005, 7% of all IFR flights in Europe were business jet flights and this sector is growing twice as fast as the rest of all traffic. As next generation VLJ aircraft come on stream this trend is expected to accelerate.

The real point to point form of air travel is the air taxi model and the VLJ is going to make this type of travel a commercial proposition for an increasing number of users, not a luxury for the few.

Recent research suggests that the current business aviation fleet in Europe will increase by one third over the next ten years, from the existing 2,000 aircraft to 3,000. However, this might have been understated as the buying power of the Euro against the US dollar has driven VLJ demand and Eclipse recently stated that 65% of its current order book was for Europe, well ahead of their own forecasts.

But what are the factors driving the growth of business aviation and interest in the VLJ? Clearly, there is a perception that short haul business class travel with the scheduled carriers is no longer good value, either financially or in terms of time spent away from family and the office. The interminable security checks at airport hubs, delays, lack of flexibility with scheduled flights, changing European social perspectives, the ability to use shorter runways and consequently bring regional airports into play and the reduced cost of flying, particularly the VLJ, are all part of the equation.

There are, however, some inhibitors to the success of business aviation and VLJ growth in Europe. Lack of suitable airfields and aviation infrastructure, over regulation, a requirement for two pilots, an active and powerful anti-aviation lobby, carbon trading, future oil prices, pilot training and crowded air corridors are all issues which could prevent the VLJ from taking off in Europe.

It will be the role of the second Very Light Jets - Europe conference and exhibition, to be staged this year in Barcelona, to address these issues and to examine the best way forward for the VLJ and its supporting infrastructure. Leading Air Taxi operators from around Europe will also meet for the annual regional meeting of the European Air Taxi Association, 2008.

For any air taxi operator or aviation related business with an interest or investment in the success of the VLJ in Europe, then Very Light Jets - Europe 2008 will be the place to meet and exchange knowledge and ideas and help shape the future of the VLJ and business aviation in Europe.

Sponsorship & Exhibition opportunities are available during the Summit.  All packages offer exceptional branding opportunities for your company and promotion of your services.

For more information, please contact admin@miuevents.com