NBAA's 2015 Show in Las Vegas Is Strongest Since Downturn

The National Business Aviation Association’s Convention & Exhibition last week was the strongest edition of the annual show since the economic downturn. The November 17 to 19 event in Las Vegas attracted some 1,100 exhibitors and better than 27,000 attendees, marking the highest level of participation since 2008, when there were more than 30,000 visitors. The 2014 attendee count stood at 26,000 and numbers were generally softer between 2009 and 2013. The 2015 show also featured approximately 100 aircraft on the main static display at Henderson Executive Airport, as well as several more at the indoor static area at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Among the guest speakers for a convention agenda that focused on the looming FAA reauthorization bill and the threat of ATC privatization and user fees were FAA administrator Michael Huerta, Oklahoma governor Mary Fallin and Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.). VIP guests included new business aviation advocate and country musician Dierks Bentley and “Miracle on the Hudson” pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger.