NBAA business aviation event highlights
Pierre Michard, our Director of Sales and Programmes, shares his insights from the NBAA event:
The NBAA business aviation event was held from 18-20 October 2022 in Orlando, with over 1,000 exhibitors. This was my first visit to an NBAA event, supporting our Heads-Up Technologies (HUT) colleagues. Being a self-confessed aircraft enthusiast, I was excited to learn all I could from the event. Here is a summary of my key take aways…
Industry Growth
It was a busy show with all major stakeholders present. Despite global economic uncertainties and supply chain challenges, the mood was very upbeat about future growth for business aviation.
That buoyancy comes off a record year in 2021 for business aviation growth, with 3.3 million business jet flights taking place in 2021, according to research company WingX (7% increase on 2019 pre-pandemic figures).
There was a real sense at the show that 2022 figures will be even higher, fueled by strong aircraft sales and a healthy OEM order book. For example, Gulfstream is ramping up production and certifying three new aircraft—the G700, G800 and G400; while Dassault Aviation announced at NBAA a major new maintenance facility to be built in Melbourne, Florida. This will support their expanding fleet, including the new Falcon 10X and extra widebody Falcon 6X.
Stronger together
Following the STG acquisition by HUT in the summer, I was warmly welcomed by the HUT team in Orlando. I was blown away by their comprehensive knowledge of Business Jet platforms and technologies.
During the event we had strong engagement from airframers and industry stakeholders across the entire combined STG and HUT product portfolio.
Together, STG and HUT offer a full range of technology driven solutions for the Business Jet cabin market - from low profile, self-powered photoluminescent signage, to high resolution LED lighting all the way to Cabin Management Systems.
Passenger experience
The trend for improving passenger experience is well documented, both in business aviation and within STG’s traditional commercial aviation. What I found interesting, talking to people at NBAA, was that airframers are now looking to balance the ability to offer a personalised passenger centric experience with high reliability hardware, that can be brought to market rapidly. Whereas historically, new requirements automatically meant new designs from scratch.
NBAA was a great experience. Full of passionate people, products and ideas. We look forward to attending next year!