Business Aviation and Technology: A Continuing Success Story

Considering what we had been seeing earlier this year in the latest long-range aircraft, new charter-technology platforms and advanced air mobility vehicles, business aviation was on an innovative roll prior to the emergence of COVID-19.

Now, as the pandemic lingers, some naysayers predict a slowdown in the historic pace of business aviation innovation. That downbeat outlook ignores the history of an industry that has continuously invested in forward-looking technologies and business models, in times both good and challenging.

So it is, even in this pandemic moment. OEMs and startups are developing designs destined to transform short-range transportation. The exploration of increasingly efficient electric-power aviation applications continues unabated. Companies developing onboard connectivity systems are quickly moving toward a 5G experience. Also, the industry has unveiled several initiatives for advancing the production, availability and use of sustainable aviation fuels.

As your advocate in Washington, NBAA has always promoted the policies, products and procedures that marry technology and aviation to foster innovation and growth for business aviation in the U.S. and around the world.

For example, we’re ensuring your voice is heard when the FAA considers the technological assets that will be part of the march toward full implementation of NextGen. Also, NBAA has long championed regulations to expedite certification of new aviation technologies. The association also is working to ensure that as new unmanned aircraft systems, electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles and other technologies come online, they safely accommodate the needs of business aviation.

Of course, we’re also bringing technology to bear in support of your everyday needs. As you read this fourth edition of the all-digital Business Aviation Insider, we also will have introduced NBAA’s first Virtual Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (VBACE).

Both of these offerings feature a sharp focus on all the industry’s latest technological advances, critical in this pandemic moment and beyond.

Here in the magazine, one feature story examines how FBOs are using technology to facilitate business aircraft missions in the COVID environment. Our New Horizons column details how iconic Solar Impulse pilot Bertrand Piccard believes sun-powered and other innovations will shape the future of flight. Similarly, VBACE will feature a host of exhibitors, sessions and speakers highlighting the very latest aviation technologies.

Clearly, as business aviation evolves, you can count on NBAA to support the industry in leveraging technology, at all levels, as part of building the future. Thank you for being a member and joining us on this journey forward.