Referring to recent trade press comment that had once again asked whether there are just too many airshows, European Business Aviation Association CEO Fernand François opened the Dassault-sponsored EBACE 2002 Press Luncheon on Monday by noting that similar comments had attended the 14th Paris Air Show-60 years ago.

While there may indeed be too many major international airshows, too often, and too big, for the budgets of the world's aerospace companies, François believes that EBACE has taken a special niche. "The time has come for specialization," he told a full house of journalist lunch guests. "EBACE is a perfect example of cooperation between two major business aviation associations, protecting the interests of business aviation worldwide."

NBAA president Jack Olcott echoed François's view. He reported that, with 210 exhibitors against 190 last year, and 3,125 delegates registered, EBACE 2002 was fair set to be a strong show.

"Business aviation has reached a status that requires a dedicated program and meeting to discuss issues and tell the good news. This is the right time for business aviation to come into its own in Europe," Olcott said.