Artificial intelligence’s impact on the business aviation industry promises to be profound, encompassing virtually every aspect of its operations. The different applications and their implications were threaded throughout the convention floor and industry panels during the 2024 edition of NBAA-BACE.

“Artificial intelligence has transformed from the realm of science fiction to becoming an integral part of our daily lives and industries,” said Todd Giles, Honeywell Aerospace's chief technology officer, at the OEM’s annual forecast event on Sunday evening, unofficially kicking off NBAA-BACE.

Electra Aero will soon unveil the nine-passenger version of its hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing aircraft after extensive testing of a two-seat prototype. The aircraft’s turbogenerator and eight wing-mounted electric propulsion units place it between an eVTOL and a traditional fixed-wing aircraft in performance and mission scope.

Speaking at NBAA-BACE 2024, Electra CEO Marc Allen said the aircraft can use existing fuel infrastructure, including sustainable aviation fuel, and is not reliant on charging stations on the ground to operate.

Industry experts discussed the evolving landscape of aviation security in the age of flight tracking for owners and operators in a panel discussion moderated by NBAA's senior vice president of government affairs, Kristie Greco Johnson.

With the implementation of the FAA’s ADS-B mandate on Jan. 1, 2020, the industry has faced ongoing challenges when it comes to keeping owner and operator personally identifiable information secure. The risks range from hacking to cyber-espionage, and the panelists laid out the challenges of protecting pilot and owner data amid the complexity of flight tracking data availability.

Camp Systems, through its portfolio companies Quantum Control and Corridor, launched two tools aimed at improving the aviation parts sales process: SalesEdge quoting and the AI-based automated parts pricing tool. These technologies are designed to address critical inefficiencies in quoting and pricing, enhancing profitability for aviation parts sellers.

SalesEdge Quoting is a fully web-based module integrated with the Quantum and Corridor systems, streamlining the quoting process by consolidating RFQs from multiple sources into one easy-to-manage platform.

A panel of advanced air mobility (AAM) experts convened on Tuesday at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas to discuss the evolving landscape of the sector and the steps necessary to scale electric and hybrid-electric aircraft operations.

Industry leaders representing key stakeholders in the AAM ecosystem focused on day-one operations, infrastructure challenges, regulatory requirements, and the potential for market expansion as these technologies move from concept to commercial viability.

Highlighting Gogo's market expansion plans with the upcoming acquisition of Satcom Direct, Gogo chief operating officer Sergio Aguirre shared that this was the third—finally successful—attempt to secure a deal to buy the connectivity and communications provider. Speaking to reporters during NBAA-BACE, Aguirre explained that issues such as debt payments hindered previous efforts.

He opened the briefing on Gogo Inflight’s acquisition of Satcom Direct with a question posed to the gaggle of reporters present. “So, what do you all think of the news? Were you expecting it? What does the industry think?”

Aviation job listing site JSfirm has hit a milestone of 30,000 job listings, with a network that includes 60 partners in the aviation industry. The website specifically caters to those listing and seeking jobs in aviation.

“Our extensive network of Job Distribution Partners is vital to our mission,” said Abbey Hutter, executive director of JSfirm. “These partnerships amplify our reach and ensure aviation job opportunities are accessible to a diverse group of potential job seekers. Together with our partners, we continue to market all aviation jobs in front of the most relevant audience.”

AIN Media Group is already planning news coverage for air shows and conventions in 2025. As you experience this week's NBAA-BACE show, please spare a minute or two to tell us what you think of our coverage and how you consume the content we deliver each day.

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