NBAA-BACE 2022 news and highlights

NBAA-BACE, the most anticipated event in the business aviation world was back in Florida in 2022. This traditional meet-up of the major players in aviation hosted nearly 1 000 companies and presented over 100 aircraft on static display. Here are the highlights that you can´t miss:

The major topic, which dominates the business aviation world for the last decade is sustainability. Naturally, it was one of the main subjects in this year´s exhibition as well. Embraer Executive Jets president and CEO Michael Amalfitano described sustainability as a demanding necessity. As a result, the company´s recent demonstration test flights used 100% sustainable aviation fuel and Embraer plans to continue increasing sustainability efforts in the future.

Leonardo arrived at the show with a debut – AW609 civil tiltrotor and VIP interior mockup. There is growing interest in this aircraft and the flight-test campaign is nearing completion as the first flight of the initial production aircraft is imminent, according to Leonardo. AW609 can be fitted for between five to seven passengers, with options like a forward lavatory, hard door, small galley, and Wi-Fi.

Gulfstream showed off its new fleet in an impressive full parade at NBAA-BACE. The leading business jet manufacturer brought to the show the most expected G800 test airframe and both fully outfitted G700s. The rest of the active fleet couldn´t miss as Gulfstream presented G280, G500, G600, and G650ER as well.

Meanwhile, Textron debuted its Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 and XLS Gen2 aircraft as well as showing the newly acquired Velis Electro electric aircraft from Pipistrel. Speaking at the event, the manufacturer announced a delay in the deliveries of the Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop, which should be an industry competitor of the Pilatus PC-12 in the second half of 2024.