NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen expects this year’s NBAA-BACE to reflect the energy and enthusiasm of an industry that is stabilized and looking to the future evolution of aviation with a breadth of far-reaching product innovation and a diversity of businesses.

“The aviation industry is changing; it's evolving, it's adapting, and it's in some ways transforming. I think you'll see all of that on display at NBAA-BACE,” Bolen said.

New products have long been a highlight of NBAA and have fueled the industry during its struggles over the past decade. “We saw, even in the darkest times of the recession, companies invested in new products. And you will continue to see new products coming to the marketplace. That’s very positive,” he said.

New aircraft models stimulate new sales, he said, and “we’ve seen a lot of that. We've seen companies make themselves very lean and competitive. We've seen the preowned market firm up. So, I think as a general rule, the overall market environment is pretty positive.” He added that reports are showing general strength across all of the segments.

In recognition of the important role NBAA-BACE has played in the introduction of new products, the convention is hosting a first-ever session to enable companies to highlight their wares on the opening day of the convention at the Innovation Zone.

While aircraft unveilings tend to capture the most attention, this session is designed to highlight other products, those that help with productivity, human resources, and a host of other innovations, said Chris Strong, NBAA senior v-p for conventions and membership. “There's a lot of good stuff going on. We think this is a really powerful way to emphasize the importance of every company that brings new products to [NBAA-BACE].”

Beyond the conventional, Strong and Bolen also see the possibilities and interest in the evolving technologies, and they, too, will be on display.

“We will have a range of eVTOL products that we will be showcasing at the show,” Strong said, estimating maybe a half-dozen or so—including those that haven’t gotten much exposure yet—will be on site. “It’s going to be awesome.”

“Whether the same capabilities, new aircraft, or new propulsion systems, all of that keeps getting brighter and brighter,” Bolen added. “We see the industry evolve…Where we are is a great thing. We are fostering this change and, in some cases, we are even demanding it.”

Focus on Sustainability

Beyond technologies, another area where convention organizers—working in concert with a cross-section of industry—are hoping to compel change is in sustainability. Momentum has been growing on the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), beginning with collaborative agreements at the 2018 EBACE, which grew into aircraft flying in on SAF to this year's EBACE in Geneva. “Now we're going to have it actually at the event itself….not just [for] flying in, but flying out,” he said, noting plans are to have enough fuel on-site at the static display at Henderson Executive Airport for aircraft to fly home with SAF.

These efforts have gone from a demonstration that SAF is possible and is something organizations industry-wide supports to “it is happening and…we want it to happen even faster.” Not only is this something that is theoretically possible, but also it is available and in use today, he added. “We think that there is a big demand. The more people become aware of this as an option, they're not going to just be open to it. They're going to demand it,” he said.

Talent Pipeline

Both Bolen and Strong also indicated that they were pleased with the early registration numbers and a sold-out static display. But despite the enthusiasm, Bolen said the industry continues to face its challenges. Chief among them is workforce.

“Attracting and retaining the best and brightest is important,” he said. To that end, industry leaders are planning substantial focus and outreach throughout NBAA-BACE to encourage the next generation of workers, including university and high school students.

“We'll talk a lot about making sure our industry is something that is attractive to young people. We will be talking about the fact that our industry does indeed place an emphasis on sustainability, that we do embrace technology, and that we do create a community,” he said. “There's amazing experiences and ample opportunity to grow as a person in their profession. All of those things are going to be on display.” This will be evident with the speakers and sessions.

“You'll see it from the topics that are being discussed. You'll see it from some of the social events that are being arranged for young professionals. You'll see it from the kind of people who are being recognized.”

The message, Bolen added, is critical. “Over and over again, you will hear a message to young professionals that this is a great industry. It's not only worthy of your professional time, it's worthy of your personal time. And it's a great place, not just to spend your career, but to spend your life. “

As for the speakers, Bolen emphasizes that they display the range of interests and diversity of organizations involved, from award winners Ross Perot Jr., who has built up a successful transportation hub with Alliance Airport in Fort Worth and is embarking on new transportation modes, to Barrington Irving, who has dedicated his time to fostering interest in aviation careers and mentoring youth. They also range from business leaders such as EarthLink founder Sky Dayton and Steuart Walton, a Walmart director and founder of composite aircraft manufacturer Game Composites to those who have put leadership skills to important service initiatives, such as NBA basketball legend Magic Johnson. New FAA administrator Steve Dickson and the nation’s first female fighter pilot, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, are set to appear, among others.

“The speakers are going to really be compelling. When you look at the kinds of people who are going to be involved, the stories that they have, their diversity of experiences. I think it will be something that has a look and feel and energy,” he said. “The breadth and the diversity of the speakers really does highlight this ongoing push in this embracement of an evolving industry.”

Bolen remains upbeat about Las Vegas as a West Coast anchor of NBAA-BACE, which has alternated with Orlando on the East Coast every other year. While Bolen said, “We constantly evaluate different locations,” he added that Las Vegas and Orlando are “the two most popular places in the U.S.” Not only do they give a presence on both coasts, but they also provide the facilities, the airline connections, and entertainment options attendees prefer. “These are the top two convention destinations for a reason. People vote with their feet.”