Las Vegas, the site of the 64th Annual NBAA Convention and Exhibition, is always a strong draw, and this year’s show was no exception, with 7 percent more attendees registering during the three-day event from October 10 to 12. While the total number of attendees–26,077–wasn’t the highest for an NBAA or for one located in Las Vegas, the overall results were a strong indicator that an industry battered by pandering politicians and economic pressure is not only facing the issues but also looking forward to doing business in this strange economic climate.
Judging from the huge “Stop User Fees” banners in the Las Vegas Convention Center halls and the ongoing rhetoric at various events, the specter of user fees is top of the mind for many in business aviation. At the same time and in stark contrast, China–a country with some of the severest restrictions against general aviation in the world–was a hot topic at the show. Clearly the vast potential of the Chinese market has marketers salivating, despite obstacles that still spell extreme challenge for general aviation.
