Aviation International News brought its popular Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit to Europe 15 to 17 September.  Connecting operators and suppliers through pre-planned one to ones; 20-minute roundtable discussions on key industry topics and presentations from sponsors, the format was a hit, peppered with networking lunches and dinners.  There were plenty of breaks to catch up on emails and The Movenpick Hotel, close to the city centre looked after us very well.  The first one attracted about 60 delegates but based on positive feedback it’s certain to grow and become a calendar fixture for the future as the trend toward smaller, intimate events continues.   Corporates and travel management companies who want to know how on demand aviation can work for them should get on board for the 2026 event.

AIN’s Nancy O’Brien, who started planning (and adapting) CALS for a European audience in May last year was pleased with how it all turned out.  Basel was a good choice – right in the heart of Europe. There were memories of the best regional airline in the world and even time to enjoy the sunshine and walk along the river.

TAG Aviation’s Sarah Towzerey pledged a return. “It was a great event.  Very engaging and interactive throughout. It was lovely to meet new people I wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to connect with.”

We realised we had a few BBGA Board members there so a good occasion to highlight us on tour including newly appointed Simon Evers from Shell Aircraft.  Many of the discussions aired in Basel are pertinent to the UK for sure and worthy of airing at our 50th anniversary annual conference on 12th March.

Congratulations AIN.  We look forward to the next one.