Murdo Morrison / Graham Warwick / Justin Wastnage
The 2001 National Business Aviation Association convention and exhibition, held in New Orleans on 12-14 December, was a smaller and more subdued event than originally planned. Exhibitors and visitors generally supported the NBAA's controversial decision to reschedule, rather than cancel, the show which was postponed in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 11 September. Peter Edwards, new president of Bombardier Business Aircraft, spoke for many when he said: "It is essential to commit ourselves to getting back to business. The decision to reschedule NBAA was right."
Several major companies, including Gulfstream and Raytheon, chose not to attend, but Bombardier set a positive note with the public debut of its Continental super mid-size business jet, now in flight test, for which 120 orders have already been secured. New fractional ownership company Avolar did not let the financial crisis enveloping its parent, United Airlines, prevent it from launching operations at the show - and announcing letters of intent for 57 Bombardier Learjets and 28 Raytheon Beechjets, taking its commitments to 309 aircraft and completing its fleet. Airbus was also much in evidence and Embraer topped the show with a large order for its Legacy business jet. For many, NBAA 2001 will be remembered as the year when the industry showed its determination to continue business as usual.
Source: Flight International
