Geneva and EBACE 2010

It's May so it must be Geneva again. This time it's the 10th EBACE and my 7th consecutive visit.
An early run round the motorways found me at the Gatwick long term car park at 06:20 and shortly after meeting up with Brian at the North Terminal. Usual travelling companion Peter was spotted in the security queue and we all got together for an early morning coffee. The 4th member of the group, Paul, was travelling from Heathrow and would meet us there.

Our flight EZS8570 was again departing from the satellite so we had to cross the bridge for the best view of the airport. Various based liners fell in the book plus a Norwegian Shuttle B738 but not the Cubana Il-96 which had gone tech. Our plane was A-319 HB-JZT which pushed back at 08:22 (7 mins late) and we headed for a rwy 08R departure at 08:35. 84 mins later, we were touching down on rwy 05 at Geneva.

The immigration boxes have been moved nearer the gates which I'm afraid has not speeded up the process. It was not long though before we were picking up our show passes and getting in the static park. Quite cold today but dry which was an improvement on the forecast. More than ever in the static this year but only the CJ4 was a new type.

Weather was cold but the threatened rain just about held off. Stayed in the static park until closing time and on the way out accepted an offer of cakes and champagne. Headed for the car rental where Paul had again booked a car for our stay. The long term parking area were checked before Jet Aviation was explored. Finished off at the flying club where dinner was taken. Our hotel was again the Campanile.
Wednesday started wet and didn't get much better. Brian and Paul decided to stay at the garage at the end of the runway while Peter and I were dropped off by the exhibition hall. Driest place with a view was the terrace where the helicopters parked. I tried to get in the static park whenever the weather eased but even I couldn't cope with the grim conditions. A good opportunity to get on board a few planes as business was slow. Did catch G450 N5113 arrive plus the Ghanaian Jetstar 2 (9G-ABF) so worth making the effort. Peter was going home this evening and I was picked up to finish again at the flying club.

Thursday was dry and much better so spent the day in the static. Still plenty happening to hold the interest. Early kick out of the static on the last day but held out as long as we could. Time to kill before the flight so went up to the Altitude Restaurant in the terminal. Flight home (EZS8577) was on HB-JZF which taxyed away at 19:35 (25 mins late) and was airborne off 23 at 19:44. Just 56 mins later we touched down on 08 at Gatwick.