Leonardo took the wraps off of a full-scale cabin mockup of its AW09 single-engine helicopter at the opening of EBACE 20024. Showcasing a VIP-corporate transport cabin layout and paint scheme that will be offered as an option, the unveiling marks the “official entrance” of the AW09 as part of the Agusta family of corporate helicopters, said Cecile Vion-Lanctuit, head of communications and marketing for Leonardo’s Kopter Group.

The interior was designed to provide a customized yet modular approach to the cabin space with the latest technology and sustainability advancements. Carving a niche in the long-light single-engine segment, the AW09 will have the largest cabin and most legroom in its class.

EBACE 2024 kicked off yesterday morning in Geneva with keynote presentations that were largely focused on business aviation's efforts toward sustainability and current criticism of the industry. NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said the show’s focus is centered around innovation, safety, and workforce, and touted the organization’s “mission to net zero” emissions and the opportunity to “shape the future of flight.”

“EBACE is the place to be if you're buying or selling an aircraft internationally,” he said. “But it's also the place to be to talk about the big issues, challenges, and opportunities that our industry has together.”

Universal Weather and Aviation inked an agreement with Altanfeethi to explore opportunities for transforming general aviation infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the companies announced yesterday afternoon at EBACE 2024. The move comes a week after the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) unveiled a general aviation roadmap to increase the sector’s GDP to $2 billion by 2030, in line with the nation’s wider Vision 2030 plan and the Saudi Aviation Strategy.

"Universal this year is 65 years old," said Universal chairman Greg Evans at the signing ceremony. "For 50 of those 65 years, we have been doing business in Saudi Arabia...and it gives me pride and I feel very honored today to say that we have found one of the best partners for our company to explore opportunities in the country together."

Participating in an EBACE show discussion about advanced air mobility, Billy Nolen, Archer’s chief safety officer, told AIN that he believes EASA will validate the FAA's type certificates for eVTOL aircraft even though the European regulator’s Special Condition VTOL certification basis appears to be more prescriptive than the performance-based approach his company favors.

Nolen was acting FAA administrator before the appointment of Administrator Mike Whitaker, who came to the FAA from eVTOL manufacturer Supernal. “What I advocated for at the FAA was that the regulatory framework should be able to move at the speed of the technology without compromising safety,” he said.

Maintenance and upgrades, optimising comfort, and performance. Dedicated Airbus corporate jet specialists. MRO facilities strategically located across the globe. Delivering an aircraft that flies efficiently, reliably, and beautifully.

VoltAero unveiled a mockup of the first member of its planned family of Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft yesterday morning at EBACE. The company also flew its technology demonstrator aircraft to the Geneva show from its headquarters in western France, running the propulsion system on biofuels made from wine.

Jean Botti, the former Airbus executive who is now VoltAero’s CEO and chief technology officer, said his team expects to start flight testing the first Cassio prototype later this year. The mockup being displayed this week represents the entry-level Cassio 330 that will carry four passengers. The company is also working on the larger Cassio 480 and 600 models that will carry six and 12 passengers, respectively.

EASA on Monday confirmed approval for Collins Aerospace to modernize the flight decks of Cessna Citation CJ1+/2+s with its Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics suite. The light jets came factory-equipped with Pro Line 21 avionics.

The RTX group company is demonstrating the Fusion system this week at EBACE 2024. It said the technology will help aircraft operators to fly precision approaches and more efficient flight paths as part of the ongoing modernization of European air traffic management.

The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) has partnered with Jetquity to exclusively offer association clients a program designed to safeguard business aircraft buyers. Its new Residual Value Guarantee Program aims to protect aircraft buyers against volatility by agreeing to purchase aircraft at preset prices, established using algorithms and AI.

"We do a residual value guarantee for preowned and brand-new aircraft. How the program works is it's a five-year program. So when someone purchases an aircraft, we work with the broker and with the client and we map out their future value," explained Jetquity CEO managing partner Asad Rahman.

The digital flip-through issues of AIN’s award-winning EBACE Convention News are now available online. It’s a great way to quickly scan the news from EBACE 2024, whether you’re in Geneva attending the show or watching from afar.