Although it’s still tough economic times for the business jet industry, that didn’t stop visitors from attending this week’s NBAA convention in Las Vegas.
“It’s clear that the convention continues to be a must-attend event for anyone whose passion or profession involves business aviation,” NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said.
The show ran from Monday through Wednesday and drew 26,077 people, a 7 percent increase in attendance over last year’s show.
International visitors were up 23 percent, with nearly 4,000 attendees from 88 countries.
The number of exhibitors increased 2 percent to 1,106 and 101 airplanes were on display.
“By every key measure, this year’s convention met or exceeded NBAA’s expectations,” Bolen said.
Everyone in the industry turns out for the show.
“It’s a very small community,” said Paul Jonas with Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research.
NIAR is one of the partners with the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition and has shared booth space with the GWEDC.
Besides manning the booth and talking about NIAR, Jonas has been meeting up with friends and former co-workers all week.
“It’s amazing how many people make a stop in their careers in Wichita, Kansas,” Jonas said.
