Lightning Round: BizAv Leaders Talk About the 2021 Market

One of the key events of NBAA’s EBACE Connect, on Wednesday, May 19, brought together leaders from across business aviation to offer a virtual update in lieu of the one they’d normally deliver in person at the annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), hosted by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA). A “lightning round” of optimism and progress transpired as nine presidents and CEOs from various OEMs addressed the 2021 market, and the opportunities borne from a challenging year.

Moderated by NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, the panel featured Michael Amalfitano, president and CEO, Embraer Executive Jets; Markus Bucher, CEO, Pilatus Business Aircraft; Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream Aerospace; Benoit Defforge, president, Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ); James Detwiler, president, Boeing Business Jets; Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation; Didier Kayat, CEO, Daher; Éric Martel, president and CEO, Bombardier; and Éric Trappier, CEO, Dassault Aviation.

The roundtable began in a spirit of optimism, with each leader answering the question: Did the pandemic bring new customers to business aviation? Martel led with his assessment: “A year ago, it was just a theory,” that the abrupt drop in commercial air traffic would drive new clients to private aviation solutions. “We will attract a new kind of buyer,” he said. Burns continued: “People started to reassess their situations,” and Gulfstream saw a lot of new owners, among them many first-time buyers of “full” airplanes—a transition from customers who had previously taken advantage of jet cards or fractional ownership.

Draper, of Textron Aviation, spoke to the negative side of the pandemic, noting that the tightening of the supply chain was expected to continue, as materials costs have risen, hitting the bottom line. Pilatus’ Bucher talked about how the move to remote work appeared to have driven greater cooperation between EASA and FAA on the certification side, with creative solutions that he hoped would continue. Amalfitano also spoke to this, with Embraer experiencing directly how the remote collaborative process helped to reduce costs and time spent in the pursuit of certification.

The group addressed diversity progress within each of their respective companies, with Trappier calling out specifically how the traditional aviation culture had led to less representation—and the current need for more women on the Dassault team. More progress is coming from the drive towards sustainability, as well, with Kayat of Daher recognizing the increase in R&D funding “despite the crisis.” Martel noted that while relatively few people on the street are aware of the existence of sustainable aviation fuel, it’s an important part of the intermediate steps forward towards a wholly sustainable business aviation industry. Defforge emphasized Airbus’ deep commitment to the zero-emissions goal by 2035, with SAF and CO2 sequestration and reduction along the way. As Kayat summarized, “We have to be pioneers again.”

Overall, the outlook is strong for 2021 and beyond as recovery continues. According to Draper, net-net the industry will be up versus before the pandemic. Martel anticipated a “surge” as the borders reopen—and Detwiler concluded that the market is strong among high net-worth individuals—and first-time buyers.

Registered attendees can view the sessions online at any time. Registration is free for NBAA and EBAA members, and $50 for others.