The EBACE show in Geneva on May 21-23 will, once again, be a great opportunity to take a close look at the latest aircraft on the market, and meet face-to-face with the manufacturers all in one place.

All of the major brands will be on show, and many of the latest factory-new aircraft available for tyre-kicking on the apron.

Subject to the usual changes of plan at the last minute, aircraft on the static will include:

• AgustaWestland will be showing its GrandNew in vip configuration. This is the next generation of the proven Grand platform, with a new digital glass-cockpit and a composite material fuselage. The company will also be inviting guests aboard a vip cabin mock-up of its AW169, which is an all-new design in the four tonne class expected to be certificated in 2014.
• Airbus will show the ACJ318, while ACJC will promote its futuristic new Bluejay interior for the ACJ319.
• Beechcraft Corporation will be showing a variety of aircraft from its range at EBACE this year: the King Air 350i, King Air 250, King Air C90GTx, King Air 350ER, Baron and Bonanza.
• Bell Helicopter plans to have the 429 on the static display, and will be promoting its latest option; the Astronics Max-Viz-1500 enhanced vision system.
• Boeing will bring the BBJ3. Meanwhile those looking to charter rather than buy will be interested to examine Amjet Executive's recently refurbished Boeing MD-83. This aircraft, originally built in 1992, now has nine additional fuel tanks extending the performance to 4,000nm.
• Bombardier has its Learjet 75 and Global 6000 on the ramp, and will also be represented by Elit'Avia with a Challenger 605 and a 300. Recent inductions by the Slovenian operator include three Global 6000s and a Global XRS, delivered in the last year (see news on page 8).
• At the static display, Cessna will have the Citation CJ2+, Citation CJ4 and Citation XLS+. In addition, it will have a Mobile Service Unit on display at its stand in Hall 7.
• Daher-Socata remains tight-lipped on any plans to supplement its TBM850 single-engine turboprop with a twin-engine model.
• Dassault Aviation will be in celebratory mood, marking the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the Falcon series. On show will be the Falcons 7X, 2000S and 900LX.
• Eclipse will be represented by its exclusive European distributor, Aeris Aviation which will be showing its Eclipse 550, and this will also be attending a number of demonstration events this summer.
• A major highlight of the show, Embraer is to make the Legacy 500 available for viewing for the first time. The company says it is the first midsize jet featuring full fly-by-wire technology for complete envelope protection and improved comfort along with the six-foot, stand-up cabin, showcasing the largest cabin volume in its class. It is also, they say, the only midsize jet with a wet galley. The 2013 edition Lineage 1000 makes its first appearance with new styling and enhanced cabin features. It has five cabin zones, which may be configured with a bedroom and walk-in shower. The aircraft is capable of operating from some of the world's most restrictive airports, including London City, Teterboro, and Aspen, Colorado. The Phenom 100 and 300, and the Legacy 650 will also be displayed.
• Gulfstream is planning a major presence on the EBACE static display, with its G150, G280, G450, G550 and G650 models.
• Although Honda is not showing the HondaJet in the static display, the company will be showcasing the new aircraft in Hall 7. The HondaJet combines technologies and design innovations like the patented over-the-wing engine mount to deliver what the company claims to be best-in-class advantages in performance, comfort, quality and efficiency. * Nextant will be unveiling its 400XTi aircraft, offering a brand new interior, which the manufacturer claims is one of the most cost effective aircraft in its class. The company will also be showing a special mission medevac configuration.
• Piaggio will be showing a P180 Avanti II operated by GreenWings, an operator conveniently based in Geneva.
• Pilatus will bring the PC-12 but also unveil its flagship, the all new PC-24 business jet, which it says will be able to land and take off almost anywhere. A mock-up should be on show in the halls.
• Piper will be on the ramp with a brand new Piper Meridian on the German register. The aircraft has the latest interior with folding seats, LED lighting and many other features.