By Frank Davidson, SVP Global Sales and Business Aviation Specialist
I recently returned from Las Vegas, where I spent several days attending NBAA-BACE 2026, meeting with industry colleagues and catching up with our partners. The schedule was packed with industry announcements, conference sessions, and events throughout the week.
This year’s exhibition brought together more than 700 exhibitors, including at least 100 first-time participants, alongside an extensive aircraft display at Henderson Executive Airport. Many developments caught my attention, particularly those related to the industry’s continued growth and the challenges that come with it.
Growth across the industry
Several announcements reported by Aviation International News (AIN) were worth noting. SyberJet, for one, secured commitments for more than 50 SJ36 aircraft following its presentation at the show, while Gulfstream reported a backlog of $25 billion at midyear and outlined plans to reach a production rate of 200 business jets.
Artificial intelligence was another topic of discussion. Congressman Jay Obernolte argued that the FAA, rather than a separate federal agency, should be responsible for developing AI regulations for aviation.
Nicholas Correnti also raised concerns about long lead times for aircraft spare parts. With manufacturers working to increase production and aircraft flying for more hours, the companies supporting the industry face growing demands of their own.
We see some of that growth at Drivania. Demand for ground transportation from business aviation continues to rise, and aircraft are reaching an increasingly wide range of destinations, including more remote airports. Coordinating the journey from the aircraft to the vehicle requires reliable local arrangements, particularly when services are needed in places with fewer transportation options.
People and moments from the week
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen was unable to attend this year while on temporary medical leave. Throughout the convention center, colleagues wore sunflower pins in a show of support. I wish Ed a full recovery and congratulate him on his upcoming induction into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame.
Congratulations also to Matt Thurber, Editor-in-Chief of Aviation International News, on receiving the David W. Ewald Platinum Wing Award in recognition of his career in aviation journalism.
The opening session took us beyond business aviation. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman spoke about plans to return American astronauts to the Moon and establish a permanent lunar outpost as a step toward Mars.
On a lighter note, John Travolta joined Bombardier at Henderson Executive Airport to share stories from more than 50 years of flying. He spoke about the aircraft he has operated, including Bombardier, Gulfstream, and Boeing models, as well as memories from his film career. His enthusiasm for aviation was clear throughout the conversation.
Time with our industry partners
Some of my favorite conversations took place away from the exhibition floor. Meetings, dinners, and evening receptions gave us time to catch up with longtime partners and hear about their latest projects.
One particularly enjoyable evening was the celebration at TAO marking Universal Aviation’s new identity as Affinity Aviation. Congratulations to the entire team on this new chapter.
World Fuel also hosted a fantastic evening at Soleia Beach Club, where Kool & the Gang had everyone on their feet. My thanks to both teams for their hospitality and for bringing so many colleagues and partners together.
Supporting Corporate Angel Network
The event I look forward to most during NBAA-BACE is Corporate Angel Network‘s Fund an Angel evening, held this year at the Fontainebleau.
Corporate Angel Network arranges flights at no cost to cancer patients who need to travel for medical treatment. Drivania is proud to contribute by providing complimentary ground transportation for patients and their families, so getting to and from the airport is one less thing to worry about.
I have always admired Corporate Angel Network’s mission. Fund an Angel gives me the chance to meet some of the people who make these flights possible and personally thank them for their efforts.
Until next year
Thank you to everyone who made time to meet with us during the week, whether at the exhibition, over dinner, or at one of the many receptions. Those conversations are what make the trip worthwhile, and we already have plenty to follow up on.
I look forward to continuing our work with partners across the industry and seeing everyone again at NBAA-BACE in 2027.
Photos courtesy of NBAA