I write winter 2024’s editor’s notes with two business aviation events fresh in mind. The National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) returned to Las Vegas in October. Alongside the usual hectic round of meetings and interviews, the EVA team spent a very hot Wednesday at the static display making a series of videos.
We would like to thank Airbus Corporate Jets and Airbus Corporate Helicopters, Cirrus, and Bombardier for their patience and cooperation as we took over their aircraft inside and out to create our content. Look out for the resulting exclusive ACJ TwoTwenty, ACH145, Vision Jet and Global videos on the EVA Presents YouTube channel and EVA Media website.
We had a lot of fun, especially when independent cabin designer Natalie Rodriguez joined us. Her reactions and comments on the finer details of cabin design were invaluable as she pointed out the smallest features to maximum effect.
November saw me in Ireland for the Irish Business and General Aviation Association (IBGAA) annual conference. Only the third such event, it built massively on 2023, attracting delegates, speakers and panellists from around the world. The venue was spectacular, the discussion stimulating and production second to none.
This winter 2024 magazine should be on the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA)show floor in Dubai, where Sales Manager Mo Banks will be delighted to meet and speak with you.
Our cover story features UAS International Trip Support, a well-known business aviation powerhouse both locally and globally. We’ve focused this time on the company’s expanding charter capability.
We’ve also spoken with ALTEA and Greenpoint Technologies for their thoughts on conventional business jet and bizliner cabins, respectively, remaining with the design theme as Winch Design’s Grieg Jolly provides an overview of the UK-based aviation, yacht and architecture studio.
Collins Aerospace wowed us with the latest iteration of its Venue cabin management system at the NBAA show and the highlights of that demonstration are reflected in this issue. Universal Avionics left another lasting impression from the show with its ClearVision and Aperture technologies, while exclusive content from Eutelsat OneWeb, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, KlasJet and Sky Valet provides valuable insight across connectivity and airport, aircraft and FBO operations.
Next year promises challenge and opportunity. The shifting political climate of late 2024 is likely to affect business aviation for better and worse in the new year, while sustainability, including a new UK mandate on SAF, will and should remain a critical issue.
The industry still has a way to go on its messaging, how it projects itself to government, the media and public, but in that regard there is definite and promising change. During his opening address at the IBGAA annual conference, Minister James Lawless, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport and at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, stated: “Aviation is one of humanity’s greatest achievements and business aviation is a critical function imperative for business and trade.” The Irish Government, at least, seems to understand.
