The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and Central European Private Aviation (CEPA) have formed a partnership for the development of business aviation in Central and Eastern Europe by creating the new CEPA EXPO and EBAA Regional Forum.

The CEPA EXPO, which has traditionally been held in Prague annually, is the only event of its kind that seeks to promote the growth of business aviation in the CEE and to build bridges between Eastern and Western Europe. The conference has flourished since its inception in 2010, and the 2014 Expo made history by becoming the first aviation body to hold an event in Prague Castle, attracting a record number of delegates. EBAA will join forces with CEPA to organise this year’s event, which will further increase the benefits to participants and enhance the growing profile of the CEE as a key area for development.

Commenting on the collaboration, EBAA Chief Executive Officer, Fabio Gamba said, “Because of historic and cultural reasons, amongst other things, getting EBAA’s work and visibility across in the CEE is more challenging than in other parts of Europe. "This, along with the growing importance of the sector in the region, has prompted us to team up with companies that already have a strong presence locally, such as CEPA. We feel it is now time to roll up our sleeves and pull together our respective strengths to turn this highly successful event into a truly not-to-be-missed event for Business Aviation.”

Fabio Gamba

	CEPA Chairman, Roger Whyte said, "This co-operation agreement between CEPA and EBAA provides the basis for increasing recognition and advocacy of business aviation in Central and Eastern Europe. "Over the last five years CEPA EXPO has become a vital forum for addressing the specific issues relating to business aviation in the region it represents. The new name, CEPA EXPO and EBAA Regional Forum, emphasises the greater scope and enhanced content which is being planned. I could not be more excited about what this means for the future growth of our industry in the CEE."
Roger Whyte

More details of the Forum, which will again be held in the historic Prague Castle, will be announced shortly and the upcoming European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE2015) in Geneva in May will feature a CEE focused workshop during the show.