Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org
With excitement at every turn, the National Business Aviation Association wrapped what many attendees and exhibitors are celebrating as the best NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in years.
From new aircraft unveilings and emerging technologies, to high-level policy discussions with federal agency chiefs, to countless moments for connection and community, business aviation’s most powerful event had it all.
“If it happens in business aviation, it happens at NBAA-BACE,” said NBAA Interim COO Dan Hubbard. “Our members are inspired, our exhibitors are thrilled. We had a packed show floor, major announcements from the industry’s biggest players, insightful sessions and the most advanced aircraft anywhere in the world. This is undoubtedly where our industry comes together to seize opportunities and shape the future.”
Taking place Oct. 20-22 in Las Vegas, NBAA-BACE served as an unrivaled advocacy platform. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Federal Aviation Administration chief Bryan Bedford and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman came to the show not simply to address the business aviation community, but to engage in a meaningful dialogue – asking questions, providing updates and pledging to continue working alongside the industry.
Duffy chose NBAA-BACE to announce the FAA’s selection of BETA Technologies as the first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer approved for passenger demo flights. The secretary was joined on stage by the company’s founder and CEO, Kyle Clark.
Pratt & Whitney Canada introduced the all-new, certified PT9 turboprop engine, while Textron Aviation’s Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen 2 and the Gulfstream G400 flight test aircraft made their NBAA-BACE debuts. SyberJet unveiled a detailed mockup of its nine-seat SJ36 and announced letters of intent for more than 50 aircraft by show close.
Additional highlights from this year’s convention included:
- More than 100 first-time exhibitors joined a consistently full show floor. Future technologies were in focus, including Beyond Aero’s hydrogen-powered ONE and the zero-emissions Regent Craft Seaglider simulator. The two-seat DTA JP1 hybrid-eVTOL aircraft was featured in the convention hall atrium.
- Dozens of business aircraft were displayed at the NBAA-BACE Aircraft Connection at Henderson Executive Airport (HND) – from pistons to intercontinental business jets and everything in between. Aviat Aircraft, Boeing Business Jets, Bombardier, Daher, Dassault Falcon, Epic Aircraft, Gulfstream, Honda Aircraft, Piaggio, Pilatus, Piper Aircraft,Textron Aviation and SyberJet were among the manufacturers that brought their latest models.
- Bombardier showcased its Global 8000, Global 6500 and Challenger 3500, and hosted an exclusive pilot talk with actor and 50-year aviator John Travolta.
- Gulfstream presented its full lineup of current production aircraft, including the G500, G600, G700 and G800.
- Pilatus demonstrated its new intelligent cabin divider by Lufthansa Technik, while Daher previewed the 2027 delivery of the first TBM to be manufactured in North America.
- TRU Simulation showed its new Veris flight training device (FTD) for the Cessna Skyhawk and announced its upcoming Grand Caravan EX Veris FTD. Cirrus Aircraft marked the 10th anniversary of certification of its SF50 Vision single-engine jet.
- CAE announced it will open four more full-flight simulators across the Americas to boost training capacity for several business jet types. Thrive displayed the first two aircraft in its new fractional ownership program.
- The new, invitation-only NBAA-BACE Private Capital Aviation Forum united aircraft buyers with experts on financing, ownership and transactions.
- The inaugural Horizon Stage celebrated a host of industry icons and innovators, right on the exhibit floor. NASA’s Isaacman and NBAA Board Member and Shuttle Commander Charlie Precourt discussed the future of aviation and aerospace.
- Also on the Horizon Stage, aviator and global business leader Ross Perot Jr. presented NBAA’s Meritorious Service to Aviation Award to visionary and philanthropist Steven F. Udvar-Hazy. Influential aviation speaker and The Pink Jet pilot Stephanie Goetz brought inspiration and energy to the presentation of the NBAA Safety Awards – part of the show’s larger focus on safety, a core industry value.
- At a Newsmakers Lunch, Dan Drohan, Solairus founder and CEO, discussed his company’s recent deal to acquire Clay Lacy Aviation’s management and charter divisions; and Steve Varsano, founder of The Jet Business, spoke about Flexjet’s acquisition of his company.
- NBAA announced a strategic partnership with Rolland Vincent Associates to co-create a new business aviation intelligence service to deliver exclusive and actionable insights to members.
- Critical to NBAA’s advocacy mission, the show welcomed a bipartisan congressional delegation, including Reps. Rick Larsen (D-02-WA), Jay Obernolte (R-23-CA) and Dina Titus (D-01-NV), and Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT). At a special Newsmakers Luncheon, House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-06-MO) received NBAA’s Silk Scarf Award.
- An expanded Meet the Regulators program featured FAA safety leader Caitlin Locke, and other officials. Engineer, pilot and content creator Xyla Foxlin engaged in a candid discussion on mental wellness and fitness for duty, with FAA Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup on hand.
- More than 100 education sessions provided content for all industry professionals. Two dozen NBAA-BACE maintenance-focused sessions were held – all eligible for FAA IA credit – including the bustling Gulfstream Operators Forum.
- Sessions at the NBAA Flight Deck examined cybersecurity defenses, standard operating procedures, radio altimeter equipage, maintenance capacity, aircraft market trends and artificial intelligence.
- NBAA-BACE Military Connect returned to match transitioning veterans with employers and industry leaders, and Collegiate Connect presented an immersive day of career guidance for students interested in business aviation. The return of the Career Zone offered opportunities to meet with hiring companies, work with a career coach and learn about scholarships.
Throughout the show, attendees wore sunflower pins (for Kansas’ state flower) to commemorate NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen’s upcoming enshrinement into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame.
“NBAA-BACE was filled with stirring moments of celebration as our business aviation community came together to strengthen safety, advance innovation, engage policymakers and create new opportunities,” concluded Jo Damato, CAM, NBAA senior vice president, events and professional engagement. ”This year’s gathering highlighted the invaluable role our industry’s most powerful and influential event plays in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.”
NBAA-BACE will return to Las Vegas next year from Oct. 19-21, 2027, as NBAA marks its 80th year as business aviation’s foremost champion.
See all the NBAA-BACE 2026 highlights, including news, photos, video coverage and more at the NBAA-BACE Online Newsroom.