Category Archives: NBAA-BACE

U.S. flight testing of two-seat hybrid eVTOL set to begin

20 Tuesday Oct 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Airshow, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, DTA Americas, eVTOL, NBAA-BACE, Technology, Transport, Travel

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Théo Parant: We’ve brought a real aircraft that can fly. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A two-seat hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft dubbed a “heavy drone” in France is set to begin flight testing in the United States, the executive behind the project said Tuesday.

“We are planning to start flight tests of the JP1 in April,” Théo Parant, CEO and co-founder of DTA Americas, said in an interview.

The company was established in Arizona this year as a subsidiary of DTA France, which has been building ultralight aircraft, including gyroplanes and trikes, since 1990.

Parant said the JP1 was registered as a drone in France because of government regulations. “In fact, it was the heaviest drone in the country,” he quipped.

Although the JP1 has already logged 200 hours of flight testing in France, the company will begin the process anew in the U.S. because of a “different administrative path” toward certification, Parant said.

The company has started taking orders for the aircraft. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

The aircraft is on display at NBAA-BACE, the business aviation industry’s largest convention, which opened Tuesday.

“We’ve brought a real aircraft that can fly,” Parant said as visitors stopped to take photos. “Not a startup with a mockup” is the company’s slogan, printed on its brochure.

The company says the JP1 can fly for two hours at full payload. It has a range of 180 miles with two people on board and up to 235 miles with one occupant. Other features include an airframe parachute, a hybrid powertrain and an autopilot.

DTA is targeting private pilots who could use the aircraft for recreation or as a “modern-day two-seat helicopter,” Parant said.

Théo Parant: The JP1 could be used as a modern day two-seat helicopter. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

“I am not very happy with the term ‘flying helicopter,’ but in a way that is what this aircraft will be used for,” he said.

The JP1 will be a new entrant in the U.S. eVTOL market, but Parant stressed that DTA is not “starting from scratch.”

He said the company has decades of aviation experience, with nearly 600 aircraft deployed worldwide. DTA France continues to maintain those aircraft and provide after-sales support, he said.

The company is taking orders for the JP1 with a $12,000 deposit, of which $10,000 is refundable. The launch edition is expected to be available in 2028 at $385,000, DTA said.

Textron Aviation rolls out Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 production jet

20 Tuesday Oct 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Airshow, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, NBAA-BACE, Technology, Textron Aviation, Transport, Travel

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WICHITA, Kan. – Textron Aviation announced Tuesday the rollout of the first production Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 as business aviation leaders gathered in Las Vegas for NBAA-BACE, the industry’s largest convention.

The teams behind the production of Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 celebrate a major milestone. Photo: Textron Aviation.

The rollout marks a step toward production and delivery of the upgraded aircraft, which features Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics and Garmin Emergency Autoland, a system designed to take control of the aircraft if a pilot becomes incapacitated.

The company expects the CJ4 Gen3 to be the first light jet on the market equipped with the system.

The updated flight deck features touchscreen technology, advanced displays and streamlined controls intended to simplify pilot workload and improve situational awareness, Textron Aviation said.

The CJ4 Gen3 is the latest version of Cessna’s largest light jet. The single-pilot-certified aircraft is expected to have a maximum range of 2,165 nautical miles and a maximum cruise speed of 451 knots. It can accommodate up to 11 people and has a useful load of 6,930 pounds.

Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. company, manufactures a range of Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft for the business, general aviation and special-mission markets.

The 2026 NBAA-BACE runs through Thursday.

Gulfstream president says business aviation is at an inflection point

19 Monday Oct 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Airshow, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, Gulfstream, NBAA-BACE, Technology, Transport, Travel

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Mark Burns says the company is excited about the growing demand for business aircraft. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The business aviation industry is at an inflection point as demand for private aircraft remains robust despite geopolitical turmoil, the president of Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. said Monday.

Mark Burns was speaking in Las Vegas ahead of Tuesday’s opening of NBAA-BACE, the business aviation industry’s largest convention.

“We’re just scratching the surface,” Burns said at a news conference, referring to the growing demand for aircraft in many regions. “I expect the market is going to be good. We’re excited about it.”

Gulfstream plans to deliver 160 aircraft this year, Burns said. To support its growing customer base, the company maintains a global spare parts inventory valued at $3 billion.

Gulfstream also reported progress in the G400 flight-test program. A fully outfitted aircraft completed a 2-hour, 46-minute flight from Dallas Love Field Airport, reaching an altitude of 48,000 feet.

The aircraft, configured to carry 11 passengers across two-and-a-half living areas, is being used to evaluate cabin systems at altitude and test functionality and comfort in flight, the company said.

This G400 flew in from Miami, setting a city pair speed record. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

Another G400 flew from Miami to Las Vegas, setting a city pair speed record by completing the flight in 4 hours and 8 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.89.

“The aircraft continues to perform exceptionally well as we advance through the rigorous certification program,” Burns said.

The experimental jet is on display along with other Gulfstream aircraft at Henderson Executive Airport.

The 2026 NBAA-BACE runs through Thursday.

Archer’s electric air taxi wraps up demonstration flights

19 Monday Oct 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Airshow, Archer Aviation, Business, NBAA-BACE, Technology, Transport, Travel

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The Midnight's demonstration flight.
The Midnight flying over the San Francisco Bay. Photo: Archer Aviation.

SILICON VALLEY, Calif. – Archer Aviation’s Midnight air taxi has wrapped up piloted demonstration flights in the Bay Area, capping a month-long tour dubbed “No Roads,” the startup announced Monday.

The Midnight is an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft that can carry four passengers and one pilot.

The Northern California tour was intended to demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to connect cities seamlessly, Archer said. The next series of flights are planned for Los Angeles.

The program kicked off Sept. 4 with a roundtrip between Salinas Municipal Airport and Hollister Municipal Airport.

The announcement comes as executives gather in Las Vegas for NBAA-BACE, the business aviation industry’s largest convention, opening Tuesday. Archer is an exhibitor at the event.

“Flying (The) Midnight across multiple cities in Northern California shows we can connect communities with no roads, no traffic, and no emissions in minutes instead of hours,” said Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer. “That’s the future we’re working toward bringing to the Bay Area, Los Angeles and cities across the country.”

The flights were conducted in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration as it prepares for future operations under a federal eVTOL pilot program.

The NBAA-BACE runs through Thursday.

Bombardier opens Wichita learning center as part of $50M investment

15 Thursday Oct 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Aircraft, Bombardier, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, Canada, Las Vegas, NBAA-BACE, Quebec, Transport, Travel

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The Wichita facility is Bombardier’s first dedicated in-house skills development center. Photo: Bombardier.

WICHITA, Kan. – Bombardier opened its North American Learning Center in Wichita on Thursday, part of a new $50 million investment by the Canadian business aircraft maker, less than six weeks after President Donald Trump threatened to block the company from selling aircraft in the United States unless they are built in America.

Bombardier has pushed back against the rhetoric, saying it employs thousands of Americans and supports tens of thousands of U.S. jobs through its operations and supply chain. The company spends more than $2.5 billion annually with U.S. suppliers.

The learning center will provide specialized training for newly hired aircraft technicians and mechanics who will support customers through Bombardier’s American service network. It is the company’s first dedicated in-house skills development center.

The investment also includes a recently expanded Wheel and Tire Shop, which uses specialized equipment and employee training to expand the company’s component repair and overhaul capabilities.

Bombardier said the projects will strengthen its U.S. operations and position the Kansas site for continued growth.

“Wichita has long been an important part of Bombardier’s story, and we continue to see tremendous opportunity for the site,” said Paul Sislian, executive vice president of aircraft sales and Bombardier Aftermarket Services.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, Lt.-Gov. David Toland, Bombardier executives and industry representatives.

Kelly said her administration had partnered with Bombardier since 2019 to expand its presence in Wichita, which is home to the company’s U.S. headquarters and Bombardier Defense.

The company has about 3,500 employees and 10 service and manufacturing facilities across the country. It is also planning to open a service center in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Bombardier Global 8000.
The Global 8000 will be among Bombardier aircraft on display: Photo: Bombardier.

At NBAA-BACE, the business aviation industry’s largest convention, opening in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Bombardier will put its Global 8000, Global 6500 and Challenger 3500 aircraft on static display.

The company will also host a discussion with John Travolta. The actor, who is type-rated on more than a dozen aircraft, including the Global Express, will share experiences from his 50 years of flying.

Citation CJ3 Gen2 to make NBAA-BACE debut

14 Wednesday Oct 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Aircraft, Airshow, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, Las Vegas, NBAA-BACE, Textron Aviation, Transport, Travel

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The Citation CJ3 Gen2 offers seating for up to 10 occupants.
The Citation CJ3 Gen2 offers seating for up to 10 occupants. Photo: Textron Aviation.

WICHITA, Kan. – Textron Aviation will debut its Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 light jet at NBAA-BACE, the business aviation industry’s largest convention opening in Las Vegas next Tuesday, the company said Wednesday.

Textron Aviation manufactures Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft.

The static display at Henderson Executive Airport on Oct. 20-21 will also feature the Citation Longitude, Citation Latitude and Citation Ascend, the company said.

In addition, Textron Aviation will showcase aftermarket services, connectivity solutions and cabin upgrades at the event.

TRU Simulation + Training, an affiliate of the company, will demonstrate its Veris virtual reality flight training device configured for the Cessna Skyhawk.

The Citation CJ3 Gen2 features Garmin autothrottle technology, Garmin G3000 avionics and GDL60 connectivity, Textron Aviation said.

The aircraft can accommodate up to 10 occupants and offers optional swivel seats. It has a range of 2,040 nautical miles with a maximum payload of 2,135 pounds.

The 2026 NBAA-BACE will be held Oct. 20-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Virtual Reality simulator for Cessna Skyhawk to debut at NBAA-BACE

05 Monday Oct 2026

Posted by in Aviation, Aircraft, Business Aviation, Cessna Skyhawk, NBAA-BACE, Transport, Travel

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The Veris simulator was developed for the Cessna Skyhawk training aircraft. Photo: TRU Simulation.

TAMPA, Fla. – Visitors to this month’s National Business Aviation Association‘s convention and exhibition in Las Vegas will be able to experience the Veris Virtual Reality Flight Training Device as it makes its debut at the show, the company behind the simulator said Monday.

TRU Simulation + Training, an affiliate of Textron Aviation, developed the device for the Cessna Skyhawk, a single-engine aircraft widely used for pilot training.

The Cessna Skyhawk Veris combines VR technology with flight simulator features and has a fully configured cockpit that replicates the Skyhawk’s instrumentation and controls, the company said.

It also incorporates Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and can be used with or without a virtual reality headset.

The Cessna Skyhawk. Photo: Textron Aviation.

The device has two seats, allowing instructors and students to train together and pilots to conduct training from either the left or right seat. It is designed to support training from the private pilot through flight instructor levels.

TRU Simulation said the Veris is designed to meet Federal Aviation Administration Level 7 Flight Training Device standards. The Skyhawk version will expand the Veris product line into fixed-wing flight training once it is qualified.

The device’s debut follows a purchase agreement announced at NBAA-BACE 2025 with US Aviation Academy for five Cessna Skyhawk Veris devices, with options for additional units.

The 2026 NBAA-BACE will be held Oct. 20-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

‘Jetman’ to inspire delegates at NBAA event

12 Saturday Oct 2019

Posted by in Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Airshow, Aviation, Business, Business Aircraft, Business Aviation, EBACE18, Las Vegas Convention Center, NBAA, NBAA-BACE, News

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“Jetman” Yves Rossy

“Jetman” Yves Rossy speaks at EBACE 2018 in Geneva.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The first man to fly with a jet-propelled wing will be among the key speakers at this year’s National Business Aviation Association convention and exhibition, which opens in Las Vegas on Oct. 21, the group announced.

“Jetman” Yves Rossy is the inventor of the so-called jet packs. The Swiss fighter pilot has been a sought-after speaker at aviation events since he first flew them in 2006.

Rossy enthralled the audience at the opening of the European Business Aviation convention and exhibition in Geneva in 2018.

“We are delighted to have ‘Jetman’ Yves Rossy speak at NBAA-BACE,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.

“His talk is sure to thrill and inspire attendees about possibilities for the future of flight. The ability to fly is one of the most fundamental human aspirations, and we’re looking forward to hearing Rossy’s motivational stories.”

Other major speakers include NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Maj.-Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, America’s first female fighter pilot.

Photo by Abdul Latheef