By Gary Watson | July 15, 2016 Estimated reading time 6 minutes, 18 seconds.
Bombardier’s Challenger 650 enjoyed a prominent position on the ramp at Million Air Calgary, the host facility of CBAA 2016.
More than 700 people attended the 2016 Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA) convention and exhibition, held at Million Air Calgary from July 5 to 7. The numbers were up this year over last, with many attendees planning to take in the Calgary Stampede, which got underway right after the show.
A total of 19 business aircraft were on static display, ranging in size from a Leonardo Helicopters AW109 Grand helicopter to a Bombardier Global 6000. Sixty-five tradeshow booths in the hangar were grouped around a Dassault Falcon 2000S, with exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services for the business aviation market.
A total of 19 aircraft were on display at CBAA 2016 in Calgary, including the much-anticipated HondaJet, at right.
From a presentation perspective, one of the highlights of this year’s show was the public release of the CBAA’s new “Economic Impact of Business Aviation Operations and Business Aircraft Manufacturing in Canada” report, delivered by Mike Tretheway of InterVistas Consulting. The study found that Canadian business aviation operations and related manufacturing contributes $730 million in taxes, 22,300 direct jobs and $6.8 billion in direct economic output. The total amount of all direct and indirect economic impacts is almost $11 billion. The CBAA is working to make politicians aware that the business aviation industry in Canada is about much more than corporate jets as perks for senior management.
This year’s program also included a number of topical training sessions and discussions, including an update on ICAO’s “Destination Green” program, which looks at reducing CO2 emissions from aircraft. Although the majority of airborne emissions are created by commercial airlines, the business jet original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and organizations such as CBAA are onside to reduce those created by corporate aircraft.
Quest Aircraft announced that Oshawa, Ont.-based Aviation Unlimited will be the authorized Eastern Canadian dealer for its rugged Kodiak aircraft.
Several programs are now underway, starting with better aircraft technology, improved flight infrastructure and the development of a suitable alternate fuel. Since the CO2 reduction program started, the carbon footprint has been reduced by 30 per cent across the worldwide fleet of business aircraft.
Social media was covered as part of a presentation on emergency response planning. Business consultant Peter Agur of the Van Allen Group discussed how smartphones enable the immediate broadcast of information and videos moments after an event takes place. The filming of an aircraft incident can be circulated around the world before the operator is made aware of the event or has had the chance to notify next of kin. The use of Facebook, Twitter and other social media programs has created a culture of unfiltered and often inaccurate information.
Embraer Executive Jets brought the Legacy 500 to CBAA. During the show, the OEM announced a major order for up to 12 Legacy 450s from Canadian fractional operator AirSprint.
Agur pointed out that aviation managers or directors might not be using social media, but it’s important to remember that younger employees most certainly are online. They are often working airside, where pictures of company aircraft can appear on aviation websites without any type of filtering and vetting by senior staff.
Other sessions included Nav Canada’s list of upcoming changes to obsolete ground navigational aids. Under-utilized systems such as non-directional beacons (NDBs) and VHF omni-directional range (VORs) will be slowly decommissioned over the next 20 years, as space-borne systems provide more accurate and less costly services.
The Cessna Citation Latitude features a leading edge cockpit that boasts fully integrated autothrottles, Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology, touch-screen panels, flight management system and ADS-B Out capability.
Transport Canada provided an update for the business aviation sector, including a discussion about the much-maligned minimum equipment list (MEL) approvals process. Although none of the attendees stood up to challenge the declining level of service at Transport Canada, a number of them later expressed increasing frustration with their Transport Canada dealings.
New cross-border customs rules were discussed, as were potential Canada Revenue Agency tax implications regarding shareholders and employees.
The annual CBAA golf tournament raised nearly $29,000 for Hope Air, and the association announced a donation to Fort McMurray fire restoration and support programs. President Rudy Toering recognized CBAA member operators who were heavily involved in the evacuation of fire victims during the crisis.
CBAA 2017 will be held Aug. 9 to 11 at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford, B.C., just before the renowned Abbotsford International Airshow.
