The 2024 NBAA White Plains Regional Forum opened this morning with a central theme: a “fiery passion” for the business aviation community. “We band together to nurture aviation career paths to sustain our fiery passion and operation for 1,600 airport employees. When I say fiery passion, I mean it,” said NBAA northeast regional director Brittany Davies.

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen echoed that sentiment: “Today is a great celebration of our industry. You're gonna see products, you're gonna see services. Most importantly, you're gonna see people that help make this industry what it is, people who are coming here today with a fiery passion.”

He also made note of the political opposition to the business aviation industry, similar to the pushback he offered in his opening statements two weeks ago at EBACE 2024.

“As many of you know, we've got legislation that has been proposed to quintuple our fuel taxes, to lengthen our depreciation schedules. Those are issues that have the ability to impact us,” Bolen said. “We need to make sure people understand that this is a great industry that is part of an ecosystem, that operates as a family, that nurtures young people, and provides opportunities that connect cities and counties to our country and to the world.”

Seeing “significant interest” for business aviation in Latin America—especially Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina—Bombardier is exhibiting a Global 7500 and Challenger 3500 this week at the Catarina Aviation Show. The three-day event, which opens tomorrow at São Paulo Catarina Executive Airport (SBJH), is the first stop of the company’s Brazilian demonstration tour to showcase its super-midsize and ultra-long-range jets in the region.

“We are pleased to be bringing our Challenger 3500 and Global 7500 to the Catarina Aviation Show this year, highlighting [their] performance and design attributes,” said Michael Anckner, Bombardier’s v-p of worldwide preowned, fleet, defense, and Latin America. “The Brazilian market is very important for Bombardier, both in terms of our business jet customers and our growing defense segment. There are close to 600 Bombardier aircraft across Latin America, and we are pleased to have a strong team present to showcase our aircraft here in São Paulo.”

With more than 2,082 business jets in Latin America, Bombardier holds a 29% market share in the region. “As noted, we have considerable growth prospects in this region, particularly with our Challenger 3500 and Global 7500,” a company spokesman told AIN. “It is also worth noting that a large majority of the Bombardier fleet in the region is aging, presenting considerable opportunity for growth in key medium- and long-range segments, as well as preowned aircraft.”

Private flight platform Skycab has launched a partnership aimed at developing applications for Manta Aircraft’s planned hybrid-electric aircraft that will operate in both vertical and short takeoff and landing modes. The companies also published examples of how Manta's Ann family of aircraft could offer alternatives to helicopters, cars, trains, and ferries on domestic routes in Italy.

The Ann2 and Ann Plus models will carry between two and five passengers and are expected to have a range of at least 300 kilometers (163 nm) when operating in vertical takeoff and landing mode. Operating from a short field of less than 1,000 feet, the range would increase to at least 800 kilometers (435 nm).

Italy-based Skycab currently arranges flights for clients in aircraft operated by other companies. These range in size from Cirrus SR22 pistons to light jets such as the Cessna Citation CJ2 and Embraer Phenom 300.

Manta and Skycab said they will develop initial routes and pricing for flights that will use existing infrastructure. The partners plan to share their proposed business model with prospective aircraft operators, which might include regional airlines, as well as with end users.

The Hartzell Service Center in Piqua, Ohio, has introduced a purchasing program for used serviceable propeller cores and serialized parts directly from aircraft owners, fleets, and MROs. The enhancement aims to help reduce overhaul lead times while giving customers more buying options when acquiring parts, it added.

At Hartzell’s discretion, customers can reduce the purchase price of a new or used Hartzell propeller by selling their existing serviceable propeller for any general aviation aircraft make or model. All core purchases require complete logbook information detailing maintenance history, applicable 8130-3 certificates, and a recorded time since new.

Backed by warranties and lead times, the Hartzell Service Center offers product support, engineering expertise, and factory-level repairs. The center’s proximity to Hartzell’s composite and aluminum propeller manufacturing operations means quicker availability of spare parts without the added time and expense of shipping.

Customers can also benefit by taking advantage of Ohio’s sales tax exemption by having the maintenance and repair work performed in Piqua. Located near Piqua Airport/Hartzell Field, the Hartzell Service Center allows customers to fly in and hangar their airplanes while mechanics service the propellers. Customers may also choose pickup and delivery options, including global shipping.

A large Daher team was present at the recent European convention of the TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA), where 25 TBMs were flown into Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (LFBZ) for the meeting. These aircraft included legacy TBM 700s and follow-on TBM 850s, along with several newer 900-series models.

“The events organized by TBMOPA provide a unique opportunity to bring together customers, key vendors, training organizations, instructors, and our network of approved dealers,” said Daher aviation division v-p of customer support Raphael Maitre. “This year was particularly important, as we provided updates about our 'Safe Horizons' training outreach, which is now led by David Petit—the new pilot training program manager at Daher’s aircraft division.”

“With the support of Daher as the TBM manufacturer, I appreciated the opportunity to personally meet with our European members and discuss their expectations. I also want to acknowledge the European convention’s organizational support by David Fabry as the chairman of TBMOPA Europe,” said J.J. Suarez, chairman of the U.S.-based TBMOPA.

Jet Aviation is launching a test and display room in Basel, Switzerland, that will allow customers to experience variable sound intensities to simulate cabin noise levels and better understand the effects of different acoustic levels in flight. Dubbed the “Innovation Space,” the facility will also feature an “in-flight-entertainment room” where the team can test and personalize different configurations for a customer before installing them on an aircraft.

“Creating this experimental space in-house allows us to continue to explore new technologies and enhance our offerings as we strive to create beautifully bespoke interior cabin experiences for our customers,” said Jet Aviation v-p of completions Christoph Fondalinski. “We recognize the need for a strong focus on innovation in VVIP completions to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving world. The Innovation Space is a fantastic step on our journey towards providing this in the ultimate cabin experience.”

"Our experience was that unless you have flown in an incredibly quiet aircraft, it can be challenging to understand the benefits of subtle differences in sound levels,” said head of engineering Florent Klinger. “To provide our customers with that understanding and help them make the right decisions for their aircraft, we created a dedicated space where they can experience different acoustic levels, in addition to new products, systems, and innovative components.”