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The 2023 NBAA-BACE convention takes place from Oct. 17-19 in Las Vegas Nevada, bringing together thousands of industry members and the latest in innovation and technology. The biggest business aviation convention in the world includes keynotes with an impressive lineup of speakers, professional development programs, aircraft static displays, and a chance for members of the aviation industry to connect.
Aircraft displays
The displays will be both at the Henderson Executive Airport (HND) and inside the Las Vegas Convention Center. There will be new aircraft displays and mockups as well as unique pieces for attendees to see. This year, conventioneers can enjoy seeing the debut of the Airbus ACJ220 and the Textron Beechcraft Denali. The Daher TBM 960 can be found alongside a Robinson R66 and Sikorsky S-76 at the Convention Center. Several OEMs are expected to make announcements during the convention. This year will be the first time featuring a dedicated, raised viewing platform, offering guests a stunning view of the showcase.RELATED STORIES:Hollywood is coming to NBAA-BACE with three of the filmmakers involved with "Top Gun: Maverick"Falcon 8X flies through Star Wars Canyon - photos, video andamp; reactionEmbraer Phenom flies an approach to Navy Carrier during Top Gun: Maverick filming
While on the exhibit floor, attendees can see the Aero L-39 "Cinejet", Airbus H124 Camera Helicopter and Embraer Phenom 300 Camera Jet. These aircraft were used while filming Top Gun: Maverick. Kevin LaRosa II is a motion picture stunt and aerial coordinator behind flight scenes in the movie and was a keynote speaker at the 2022 convention. LaRosa coordinated the presence of the aircraft at the show this year and will be there to discuss the use of the aircraft in the film. The L-39 was also the aircraft used to tail the Falcon 8X when it made a run through Star Wars Canyon.
"Flying these aircraft on "Top Gun: Maverick" was the thrill of a lifetime and I look forward to sharing this exclusive insight with the attendees of NBAA-BACE," LaRosa said.
Textron announced that the new Cessna Citation Ascend mockup would make its North American debut at the show. The Citation Ascend was unveiled in the spring, designed to bring a new cockpit, luxurious cabin and improved performance to the midsize business jet market. The complete mockup will be featured at Textron Aviation's static display at HND. The mockup will include a sustainable interior, a new hardshell exterior with a custom paint scheme and additional functionality in the cabin. The Citation Ascend is expected to enter into service in 2025.
Embraer will debut its new Phenom 100EX at the convention, featuring improved cabin comfort and all-new pilot-centric avionics to deliver the ultimate flying experience. Embraer unveiled the new jet Monday, revealing the newest addition in the Phenom 100 series. The Phenom 100EX is a result of continuous work over the years, based on customer feedback. The entry-level jet is one of the greenest dual-engine jets on the market. The Phenom 100EX builds on its family's reputation for high utilization and low maintenance costs. With its family reputation and new green features, the Phenom 100EX offers the highest level of operational flexibility. The Phenom 100EX is triple-certified by ANAC, FAA and EASA and is currently sold out in 2024, with the next available delivery in 2025.
Bombardier will show off its own impressive lineup this year, including the debut of the first certified pre-owned aircraft. This year the display includes the Global 7500, Global 6500, Challenger 3500 and Challenger 650. A Challenger 300 Certified Pre-Owned aircraft will also be on display as the first time a CPO aircraft will be showcased in public in North America. This is the first CPO aircraft Bombardier has shown at a major U.S. tradeshow. The CPO Challenger 300 will be on static display, showcasing all elements of the Bombardier premium class of pre-owned aircraft like refurbished interiors, fresh paint, upgraded avionics and connectivity systems and an exclusive one-year OEM warranty.Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf
Keynote speakers
The NBAA hosts an impressive lineup of keynote speakers each year. This year, the Day 1 Keynote speakers are international tennis stars, entrepreneurs and philanthropic champions Stefanie Graf and Andre Agassi. The couple were married in 2001 and are considered among the greatest tennis players of all time. Since they retired from the sport, the pair have led multiple charitable, educational and humanitarian initiatives. Many of these efforts have been supported by the use of business aircraft.
"Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf are more than tennis icons," NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said. "They lead by example as models of professional responsibility, social involvement and a commitment to giving back to their communities, and our world. We look forward to welcoming them to NBAA-BACE to share their experiences and insights."
Day 2 Keynote will feature two speakers. The NBAA shared that entrepreneur, investor and Shark Tank television personality Daymond John would be speaking. John overcame dyslexia to launch FUBU from his mother's basement, using a $100,000 mortgage he took out against the home. Now, his global lifestyle brand has over $6 billion in product sales worldwide. The FUBU brand is featured at the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture. He has shared his expertise on the television show Shark Tank since 2009. John routinely uses business aviation to manage his companies, speaking engagements and other business priorities.
The second Day 2 Keynote speaker is aviation pioneer Col. Nicole Malachowski, the first female Thunderbird pilot. Malachowski was determined to fly military jets despite the fact that women were prohibited from becoming fighter pilots. She was among the first women chosen to fly a modern fighter aircraft after graduating from pilot training at the Columbus Air Force Base. She is a combat veteran, having served as an F-15E flight commander, evaluator, instructor pilot and flight lead. Malachowski has over 2,300 hours in six different Air Force aircraft. She served as a White House Fellow and the executive director of a White House initiative. She was the first female Thunderbird pilot and also the first woman to fly on a Department of Defense military demonstration team.
"Thunderbird pilots are often called the best in the world, and Col. Malachowski showcased the elite skill, precision and professionalism the Air Force demanded of these pilots," Bolen said. "I know that NBAA-BACE attendees will be excited to hear the story of her amazing career journey, which offers lessons in leadership for us all."
Sustainable fuel
This year attendees at NBAA-BACE can fuel up with sustainability in mind. SAF will be offered at three airports in the Las Vegas area, HND, North Las Vegas Airport (VGT) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). With SAF available at all three airports, aviation carbon emissions can be reduced by up to 80 percent. This year the SAF offering is in line with the industry goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The convention will highlight the industry's focus on sustainability and the emphasis on innovation and advancement.
World Fuel Services will provide 40,000 gallons of fuel at HND, which is more than double the total SAF that was available at the airport for the 2021 convention. VGT will be offering SAF in concurrence with the convention for the first time. Atlantic Aviation will also be offering both locally delivered SAF and book and claim gallons. World Fuel Services will supply Atlantic's LAS location with 16,000 gallons before the show and local SAF will be delivered throughout the event.
"We are extremely mindful of business aviation's responsibility to combat climate change and work towards a cleaner environment," said Brian Corbett, Chief Commercial andamp; Sustainability Officer at Atlantic Aviation. "SAF is jet fuel, and currently it is the most meaningful way to make an impact on aviation emissions. Atlantic is committed to doing our part to drive change with simple and reliable advancements across our network."
Other opportunities during the convention
There are countless opportunities to learn and grow in the industry during the convention. From the numerous professional development courses to an excellent face-to-face network opportunity, NBAA-BACE offers something for everyone.
Aviation legends, authors and business leaders John and Martha King have attended the convention since 1987. This year the Kings will be signing personalized copies of their newest book, Sky Kings: Flying Adventures with John andamp; Martha. The couple will be featured guests at the 2023 Coffee Social, taking place on Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. in booth N1834.
Complimentary books will be given to the first 300 visitors at the Coffee Social. The book includes popular risk-management columns the couple has written as part of a series for FLYING magazine over eight years. King said the topic of risk management has seen an increase in attention in recent years, a change the couple says is good for the industry.
"John and Martha King are synonymous with general aviation and beloved across the industry - mention their name in a group setting and everyone will have a ‘John-and-Martha story,'" NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said. "We are delighted to have them join us to sign copies of their own story at this year's Coffee Social."
This year the convention will also host its first-ever maintenance competition. The competition debuted earlier this year at the NBAA Miami-Opa Locka Regional Forum and highlights the excitement and opportunities available to the high-demand field of aircraft maintenance in business aviation.
The NBAA Maintenance Conference will take place on Oct. 18 and will feature five teams with five students competing in different events to test their skills. The competition includes safety wiring, cable rigging, electrical troubleshooting, virtual aircraft towing/ground handling and general visual inspection. Each individual task will last 15 minutes.
The contention hosts an array of aviation industry members, giving each person a unique opportunity to network and learn more about new technology. The convention will take place from Oct. 17-19 in Las Vegas, Nevada at both HND and the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Come say hello to the GlobalAir.com team in booth N5208.