NBAA-BACE 2023: Here is what happened at business aviation's biggest show

The Las Vegas Convention Center was packed last week with dealmakers and companies across the aviation spectrum — FBOs and MROs, AAM and eVTOL, OEMs and even the NTSB and FAA — all sharing their latest insights and developments at NBAA-BACE, the largest yearly event for business aviation. While many used the opportunity to discuss a sky-high future, it could be tough at times to move around on the ground. In a city mired by road construction ahead of the upcoming Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, it took as long as an hour to get between the convention center and the airport. For those not fortunate enough to grab a seat on a BLADE helicopter shuttle to the static aircraft display at Henderson Executive Airport (HND), they might have been dreaming of a future of making the trip in an air taxi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by GlobalAir.com (@globalaircom) That future of the aviation industry, one that is greener and more nimble, is being showcased by groups including NBAA and GAMA in a new initiative launched during BACE. The advocacy of Climbing. Fast. will take the industry's message to all corners of the internet, traditional media, social platforms and advertising, to set "the record straight on the industry's many societal benefits, including its leadership role in sustainability, underscored by a sharp focus on achieving net-zero carbon emissions from flight in the years to come," a press release announcing the new campaign stated. Climbing. Fast. will focus on the new tech being developed in business aviation, the latest chapter of the industry being a catalyst for innovation. Along with that larger, unified effort, there was plenty to take in at this year's show. Here are a few of the highlights. View this post on Instagram A post shared by GlobalAir.com (@globalaircom) Textron unveils Citation CJ3 Gen2Textron Aviation brought some of the biggest news to NBAA-BACE, announcing the Citation CJ3 Gen2 that will replace the Citation CJ3+ in the coming years. We learned that private jet operator flyExclusive will not only buy the first Gen2 edition of the Citation CJ3 but could end up ordering around 30 of them. The aircraft, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 will feature tech upgrades and a roomier cockpit, along with more amenities in the cabin. The announcement came just days after Textron announced that the Citation M2 Gen2 will be upgraded with Garmin autothrottle, which will also go into the CJ3 Gen2, fitted with a Garmin G3000 avionics suite and GDL60 remote connectivity, along with new options such as enhanced vision, swivel seats and an optional sink and vanity design. Textron showcased a mockup of the CJ3 Gen2, as well as the Citation Ascend, announced earlier this year. The Beechcraft Denali and a special-missions Cessna Grand Caravan EX also made the trip to NBAA-BACE. View this post on Instagram A post shared by GlobalAir.com (@globalaircom) Honda Aircraft announces HondaJet EchelonThe Honda Aircraft Company debuted its HondaJet 2600 concept two years ago at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas and returned this year to give an update on its development, which will be sold as the HondaJet Echelon. A mockup was on display at Henderson Executive during the event. While the interior aesthetics are still being developed in collaboration with designers with Honda Motor Company and Acura, it is expected to offer three configurations: executive, club and divan, along with options for seats that can fold completely flat, allowing passengers to rest during flights. Its cabin is 4.5 inches taller than the HondaJet Elite II, while it is 1 inch wider at window level, 5.4 inches wider at the shoulder and 7 inches wider at the floor. At its max altitude of 47,000 feet, it has a cabin altitude of 6,363 feet. Cabin noise is also reduced, the company said, with its patented Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, which also allows for greater use of fuselage space for the cabin and external cargo areas. The aircraft has an entirely different fuselage than the HondaJet HA-420 which is longer and composed of a non-circular cross-section that allows for the additional cabin room. Along with the Garmin G3000 avionics package, the HondaJet Echelon will offer additional advanced features including autobrake, autothrottle, runway overrun awareness and alerting system, advanced steering augmentation system and emergency autoland. While not talking about price, Honda Aircraft leadership said they already have 350 letters of intent from potential buyers with a targeted first delivery date by the end of 2026. View this post on Instagram A post shared by GlobalAir.com (@globalaircom) Airbus ACJ TwoTwenty makes NBAA-BACE debutAirbus Corporate Jet debuted the ACJ TwoTwenty at NBAA-BACE this year. The jet is in a new market segment, the "Xtra Large Bizjet" with an emphasis on cabin space, range and technology but with a similar price to ultra-long-range jets. GlobalAir.com was able to tour the luxurious interior of the aircraft. The ACJ TwoTwenty has more than double the cabin space of a conventional long-range business jet. There is over 786 feet of floor space in the six-zone cabin. There are two extra cabin zones for added privacy and provide an office-like environment with top-of-the-line connectivity. Its VIP suite can be fitted with a California King bed, as well as en suite bathroom with a rain shower or two 55-inch 4K TVs. The plane can connect city pairs like Los Angeles to London, Miami to Buenos Aires and New York to Istanbul.The company's chief rival in that category, Boeing, also made news at the show, introducing its BBJ Select program, which offers modular zones for its 737-7 interior to streamline the purchasing and assembly processes. Read more about that announcement and all of the other big moves made this year at NBAA-BACE in the stories linked below. COMPLETE COVERAGE OF 2023 NBAA-BACE:Bombardier gives update on Global 8000 as Global 7500 reaches milestoneWar, Recession andamp; the Aircraft Market - JETNET's latest assessment of the business aviation worldCirrus reveals Special Edition Vision Jet to celebrate 500th deliveryTecnam P2012 STOL nears certificationNBAA-BACE Newsmakers panel talks bizav aircraft market, future trendsHonda Aircraft launches aircraft management program to streamline ownership, maintenanceAvfuel boosts SAF supply availability, introduces sustainable program for NBAA-BACEACJ TwoTwenty makes NBAA-BACE debut Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 announced at NBAA-BACE, Textron names first customerDaher celebrates 500th TBM 900-series deliveryBoeing to offer new buying process, interior options with new BBJ SelectHondaJet Echelon unveiled at NBAA-BACE as a light jet that can perform like a midsizeBombardier reveals EcoJet phase 2 testing progressFAA, NTSB leaders headlining panel at 2023 NBAA-BACEJSSI launches PartsHub at 2023 NBAA-BACE