Corporate Jets earlier this month attended the National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) Annual Convention in Atlanta. This event has become a barometer of the state of the private aviation industry, so attendees were looking forward to testing the winds and sensing the general mood.
From Tuesday’s opening day, the atmosphere was clearly upbeat as exhibitors trumpeted their products and services. The exhibit floor covered almost as much acreage as it did during its heyday of 2005 through 2008. While some manufacturers held small exhibits and spoke candidly about their current struggles, others announced new models and issued positive progress reports on new aircraft in development. Industry statistics showed that flying hours are on the rise.
In private discussion circles, professionals admitted that aircraft sales are still far off the high mark set in 2008 and that the inventory of jets for sale is still too high. Yet even these industry veterans expressed a guarded optimism about the future, most agreeing that even if the economy experiences a double dip, the next few years look bright.
Bombardier, builder of the Challenger and Global Express, announced two new jets, the 7000 and the 8000, both ultra-long-range, large airplanes. Gulfstream flew one of its flight-test G650’s, configured with a production interior, to the show and offered access to those holding order positions. Cessna announced an upgrade to the popular Citation X and Hawker Beech showed off enhanced models of the Kingair and Premier. Several small jet prototypes offered the owner pilots something to look forward to in the next few years.
Avionics manufacturers and accessory suppliers demonstrated a major new focus on information handling. New hardware and systems employing new computing and internet tools such as the iPad greatly enhance the flight crew’s situational awareness of not just flight details but their entire trip. Other products that broaden the passenger’s picture of their trip’s progress also emerged.
As the convention advanced to its third and final day, attendees’ moods remained positive. Parting company and heading for the airport, sales people, operations professionals and other guests wished each other well and agreed to move forward and re-convene in Las Vegas next year.
To hear more about Corporate Jets’ experience at NBAA2010 or to book future travel, please contact VP of Business Development Woody McClendon at (480) 596-1264 or wmcclendon@flycj.com.
