INSPIRING DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE
This year, the NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (BACE) was characterised by energy, excitement and had a distinct focus on the future of the business aviation industry
The Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (BACE) organised by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), was held from October 16 to 18 this year at the Orange County Convention Centre and the Orlando Executive Airport in the United States of America (USA). Located in the middle of Florida, Orlando is the third most populous city in the State. Handling primarily business and general aviation operations, the Orlando Executive Airport has been the venue for special events related to the aviation industry. This airport has been showcasing NBAA air show since 2008 and the last such event was held there in 2014.
BRIEF HISTORY OF NBAA
The NBAA was conceived in 1946 by a World War II veteran, Palmer J (Bud) Lathrop, the then Vice President of Bristol Meyers and later President of Cameron Machinery Company. It was he who laid the foundation of this organisation on November 21 the same year. The organisation was initially named as Corporation Aircraft Owners Association (CAOA). Subsequently, on September 24, 1947, in a meeting of all the 19 members who had enrolled with the Association by then, final clearance was given for the establishment of a permanent entity as a not-forprofit corporation. The CAOA was thus later renamed as NBAA and the headquarters of the Association was based in New York. However, its headquarters was subsequently relocated to Washington DC for better interaction with other organisations and Associations related to the business aviation industry.
Today, the NBAA represents more than 11000 companies and is the leading organisation for entities that rely on general aviation aircraft to help them make their business more efficient, productive and successful. It provides more than 100
products and services to the business aviation community which includes BACE or Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition. This is regarded as the largest and the most important event in the domain of business aviation. It is also ranked as the sixth largest trade show in the US and it brings together current and prospective aircraft owners, manufacturers and customers at one meeting place to interact, resolve issues of critical importance for the organisation and chart future course.
THE EVENT THIS YEAR
This year, the Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition or BACE, was characterised by energy, excitement and had a distinct focus on the future of the business aviation segment of the civil aviation industry. Signs at this year’s convention proclaimed, “The future of business aviation starts here.” For once, there were plenty of indications that 2018 could be a turning point for the business aviation sector after suffering the effects of a decade of financial turmoil particularly in the US, its largest market. Forecast by Honeywell this year has been particularly rosy, with healthy economies and new programmes spurring demand for 7,700 aircraft by 2028, an increase of 50 units as compared to last year.
As per Ed Bolen, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NBAA, who stated, “It certainly seemed that NBAA – BACE exceeded even the highest expectations. Exhibitors told us that their booths were packed and that those who attended the event, continually remarked positively on the latest technologies and services displayed, the impressive show floor, the quality of our sessions and the networking opportunities available.” Ed Bolen went on to say that the positive energy was palpable in every corner of the show floor and static display. “The convention clearly showed that that this is one of the best environments for business aviation in decades. We focussed on the people, technologies and the leadership qualities that will surely maximise opportunities available today while keeping an eye on the investment and innovation that will drive the industry’s future.”
PARTICIPANTS IN THE SHOW
The event this year that was scheduled for over three days, witnessed the presence of more than 1,000 exhibitors to showcase their products of which, 100 were participating for the first time. It also witnessed participation by all the 50 states of the US as also by representatives from 90 countries across the globe. On static display, there were around 110 business aircraft from practically all business aircraft manufacturers in the world. Of these, apart from a brand new model, the Falcon 6X from Dassault Aviation of France, several aircraft that have been in service for some years, were on display for the first time. In fact the array of aircraft of all sizes and all missions, ranging from single-engine piston, turboprops to large intercontinental business jets and rotary wing platforms, were there for people to see. The static display brought together the world’s latest and diverse collection of business aircraft at one location to enable prospective customers to evaluate a wide range of options themselves. Visitors to the show were able to closely examine the wide array of platforms from manufacturers such as Airbus, Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault, Gulfstream and more.
The show also witnessed the emergence of technologies that could take business aviation in new directions. Aerion has been nurturing its AS2 supersonic business jet concept for a decade without the desired level of progress. However, having now entered into key partnerships with GE Aviation and Honeywell, the AS2 supersonic business jet project now appears to be moving forward at a faster pace. Simultaneously, electrically powered air transport is moving closer to reality, with Safran and Uber both revealing details about alternative-propulsion projects.
KEYNOTE SESSIONS
The keynote sessions for the first two days of the show were focussed on visionaries pioneering the future of business aviation. Uber Elevate was in the lead with the company’s plans for facilitating urban mobility through electrically powered vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft that can provide highly
efficient, rapid and reliable transportation service between as well as within metros and other cities afflicted with perpetually increasing levels of traffic congestion. Eric Allison, head of aviation at Uber Elevate, said that commercial operations could be expected to be happening by 2023 with demonstration flights as early as 2020. Representatives of Uber met operators and pilots as part of the company’s preparation for the launch of its new transportation initiative for urban transport. Cities proposed for the launch of services initially, are Dallas and Los Angeles.
Another individual pioneering the future of business aviation was Bertrand Piccard, Initiator, Chairman and Pilot of Solar Impulse, an aircraft driven entirely by solar power. He narrated his story of flying around the world without consuming any other kind of fuel to propel the aircraft. He exhorted the aviation industry to make the supposedly impossible dream of making solar flight a reality for all. The keynote sessions also featured display for the first time, the Cirrus Vision Jet, the 2018 Collier award winning platform. Also on display was the experimental flying car from Terrafugia that is scheduled to hit the market sometime next year.
The organisers of the event also availed of the opportunity to honour some of the legendary figures in aviation. NBAA’s Meritorious Service to Aviation Award was given to Women Air Force Service Pilots who had rendered service during the Second World War. NBAA also recognised the contribution of aviation legend and performer at air shows, Sean D Tucker as well as the Bob Hoover Academy which he founded in 2016. These two were selected to be honoured for their contribution towards inspiring under-privileged youth through exposure to aviation and teaching them to fly. They were both conferred the prestigious Al Ueltschi Award for Humanitarian Leadership. This clearly underscored the fact that the industry is investing in its future workforce. On the last day of the show, a day that was nominated as the Careers and Business Aviation Day, more than one thousand students came to NBAA-BACE and were provided free entry. Here they got the opportunity to interact with aerobatic pilot Anthony Oshinuga and other mentors.
THE NEXT SHOW IN 2019
Commenting on the show, Ed Bolen said, “The convention this year highlighted the proud history of business aviation, exciting present and inspiring dreams for the future – a future that has never been felt to be so close as it is this week”. Ed Bolen concluded by saying that the NBAA was carrying the excitement forward to 2019 when NBAA – BACE will be returning to Las Vegas NV for a convention in the period October 22 to 24 that year.