The announcement regarding the next edition of EBACE, expected from the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) on 30 June, has been postponed. This follows a recent leadership transition at the association.
The newly appointed interim managing director Stefan Benz, working closely with the EBAA board and in consultation with key stakeholders, is “taking the opportunity to review the event’s future setup, building on the work already undertaken and ensuring alignment with the association’s evolving strategic priorities”, the EBAA said.
This process extends beyond decisions on the 2026 edition alone, aiming to confirm the long-term format and positioning of the show. The EBAA added that as next year’s edition will be the first pillar of the future vision, a public announcement on the dates and location of EBACE 2026 can be expected by the end of July 2025.
The EBAA stated that it remains fully committed to ensuring that EBACE continues to evolve in line with the needs of its members, exhibitors and partners, offering a platform that reflects the priorities of Europe’s business aviation community.
Organisational reform
The leadership changes, announced on 27 June, are part of a broader organisational reform initiative aimed at “enhancing the association’s effectiveness, responsiveness, and value to its members, in partnership with its national associations”, the EBAA said.
Holger Krahmer has stepped down from his role as secretary general. Robert Baltus has recently resigned and will also depart from his position as chief operating officer later this year.
Benz was appointed as interim managing director of the association, effective immediately, with a mandate to guide the EBAA through a period of transformation, leading an organisational change programme intended to bring a leaner, more agile association closer to its members’ and its national associations’ partners.
These changes “mark the beginning of a comprehensive transformation to ensure the association is equipped to address current and future challenges, which will be implemented at pace”, the EBAA said.
Benz joins the EBAA as a veteran of the business aviation industry, bringing with him a deep understanding of the sector’s operational, commercial and regulatory dynamics.
Juergen Wiese, chairman of the EBAA board of governors commented: “We thank Holger for his contribution. We also thank Robert for his long service and continued commitment during the transition. The association retains an excellent team. With Stefan’s appointment, we will marshal to deliver the next chapter of our journey. This will be done at pace and with the full support of the board.”
Benz commented: “The EBAA is a stronger association when working in harmony with its members and collaboratively with the national associations. We must remember that our purpose is to protect and grow our industry, a passion that we all share as we move forward.”
