LABACE 2018

A RENOVATED LABACE

It would be no different in 2018! The largest executive aviation fair in Latin America, LABACE (Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition) was a success. Over 10 thousand people over the 14th, 15th and 16th of August were visiting the 15th edition in the region of Congonhas Airport, in São Paulo.

The new management of ABAG (Brazilian Association of General Aviation) has partnered with MCI Brasil (one of the largest companies in the world specializing in congresses and fairs) to organize the LABACE 2018 space. place of entry. What used to be on Avenida Washington Luiz, now the entrance took place on Rua Tamoios, an address already known by the fair staff. With this, a better use of the areas adjacent to the old hangar, made the fair more functional and with better circulation for visitors between the stands and also for exhibitors.

Altogether there were more than 100 companies, 20% are in Brazil for the first time. According to EGOM, the press office of LABACE, Russian and Chinese companies attended the fair as official visitors to assess their participation in the next editions of LABACE.

“The Russians and the Chinese are already with us, the whole world is eyeing the potential of the Brazilian market because nothing changes the profile of the continental-sized country that is dependent on general aviation, since commercial aviation reaches just over 100 of the most of 5,500 municipalities”, said Flavio Pires, CEO of ABAG.

LABACE 2018 had 47 exposed aircraft, jets ranging from US$ 2 to US$ 60 million, and a participation of 90 companies in the expectation of commercializing something started and closed during the event and over the next few months.

Brazil has the second largest fleet in the world in general aviation, with 15,506 aircraft (756 jets, 1,278 turboprops, 2083 helicopters and 11,205 conventional aircraft). Data from May 2018 show a growth of 0.3% compared to 2016 in the total fleet. Brazil, before the political crisis, in 2010 had 12,310 aircraft with a general aviation fleet growth rate of 7% per year.

According to Leonardo Fiuza, president of the ABAG Board, the growth of general aviation was driven by agribusiness. "The Northeast and Midwest were the only regions that registered an increase in the fleet, but another sign that makes us optimistic is that operations (landings and take-offs) increased by 13% from 2016 to 2017, in a clear sign that people they returned to flying to do business”, he explained. The data takes into account landing and take-off movements at the 33 main airports.

Another highlight of this new format was the schedule of lectures and seminars. On an arena stage (beautiful and large in my perception), which held up to four simultaneous events, the audience took turns over the three days around themes such as professional training, pirate air taxi, aeromedical transport and the future of Brazilian general aviation .  “Labace 2018 represents a milestone in the professional training item, because ABAG is definitely resuming the institutional role of fostering debate about general aviation and the training of professionals”, said Flavio Pires, CEO of ABAG.

Among the big names in the industry who attended LABACE, AVANTTO, the leading shared executive aviation company in Brazil, highlighted its initiative in reducing carbon emissions and the advantages of the aircraft sharing model in Brazil, where an airplane or helicopter can be divided into shares between owners. Since the mobility of executives, politicians and personalities is necessary, this sharing model is currently more sustainable and less costly. In the last year, Avantto registered an increase in its revenue and operating result. Even with the adverse economic numbers, and especially in the executive aviation sector, the company maintained its growth trend. At the stand, Avantto exhibited one of its fleet's models, the Esquilo B3 H125 Helicopter.

Air BP, an international supplier of aviation fuel products and services, presented its program to neutralize carbon emissions related to the use of aviation fuel.

TAM Executive Aviation participated in LABACE 2018 as the largest exhibitor for the third consecutive year. The company brought 9 aircraft to the event, including the biggest novelty at the fair: the Citation Longitude jet, which was in Latin America for the first time, the aircraft is valued at the FOB price: US$ 26,995,000 (excluding taxes). "There is great expectation regarding this product as it is a Cessna jet with intercontinental range, with an even wider cabin, as well as unbeatable comfort and technology. It is an honor to be one of the first countries to see de This super machine is close, and the arrival of the aircraft reinforces our condition as a potential market for the product", explains Rafael Mugnaini, Commercial Director of TAM Executive Aviation.

In addition to them, the Baron G58 piston model, the Grand Caravan EX, King Air C90GTx and King Air 350i turboprops, the Citation M2, Citation CJ3+ and Citation Latitude jets landed at the fair. "We are prepared for the resumption", says Leonardo Fiuza, President of TAM AE. "Executive aviation follows the pace of the economy in the country and, it seems, should soon return to a new and better level. We are the second world market in the segment, behind only the United States, and although the last two years have had been a little more difficult as a result of the Brazilian economic slowdown, we have already noticed a greater volume of business being completed and in shorter terms".

In 2018, TAM Executive Aviation expects to sell 45 aircraft, which represents an increase of 15% compared to last year, and LABACE should, once again, boost these numbers. "Historically, the second half is usually better than the first in executive aviation, and the event becomes the starting point for the completion and creation of new businesses", says Fiuza.

Another highlight of TAM Executive Aviation at LABACE was the Bell 505 helicopter. The model, which was recently certified by ANAC, is constantly arriving in Brazil. In just two months, six units were delivered in the country and others are already scheduled. "We have been working on the product for some time and managed to show the Brazilian market that the 505 is the best option in the light monoturbines category. We were responsible for 10% of all Bell's orders for this model, which makes us the second largest buyer of 505 in the world", concludes Mugnaini.

It is worth noting that for the third consecutive year TAM Executive Aviation was awarded by the manufacturer for having registered the mark of more than 50% market share in helicopters sold in Brazil. In other words, more than half of the helicopters sold in the country in 2017 were from the Bell brand.

And if the sale of aircraft presents expressive numbers, the other services that integrate TAM AE's portfolio are not far behind. "It's a chain reaction, when the market reacts, the entire network of services linked to executive aviation responds", says Leonardo Fiuza.

Helibras highlighted 40 years in the country during LABACE 2018, the company presented the first H145 model helicopter in operation in the Brazilian market, in addition to recent investments in its wide range of products and services that ensure its leadership in the national civil aviation market, with 54% of the fleet in operation. “We are especially happy to participate in this edition of LABACE in the year we celebrate 40 years. In four decades, we have built deep roots in the country and our local presence allows us to be closer to our customers and offer all the necessary support, quickly and efficiently. Visitors will also be able to learn more about our aircraft and services that have made us the market leader”, says Richard Marelli, President of Helibras and Head of Country of Airbus in Brazil.

The H145 on display is owned by CAF Táxi Aéreo, the model's first customer in the country. The aircraft is equipped with the innovative Helionix® avionics system, four-axis autopilot and powerful Arriel 2E engines. The model, which is already a worldwide success, can be configured for different types of segments, such as executive aviation, police operations and aeromedical rescue.

Helibras completed the sale of four more aircraft to the civil market. A company in the agribusiness sector acquired its first helicopter, model H125, which will be used in a VIP configuration. In addition, he signed a contract for an H130 for an executive client. Leader Taxi Aéreo, which operates in various segments of civil aviation, signed a contract for two H135 models that will operate in the Oil and Gas segment. These will be the first Airbus models to be operated by the company.

The H125, the world's leading seller, has a VIP configuration, luxury finish, autopilot (optional), space for five passengers plus pilot, Safran Arriel 2D engine, visual flight equipment and accessories, traffic warning system , between others. The model accumulates more than 25 million flight hours, with approximately four thousand units currently in operation around the world.

Leader's H135s will be configured for Offshore operations. One of Airbus Helicopters' most successful light helicopters, the H135 is known for its high strength, compact construction, low noise levels, versatility and low cost. Models include the innovative Helionix system, which reduces the pilot's workload and offers greater flexibility and safety in operations.

The H130 is suitable for tour operations (due to its large windows that offer excellent visibility), transport and charter customers and Public Safety, among others. It is enhanced with a powerful turbine, along with other improvements that have gained the helicopter's popularity.

This year, the Helibras Support & Services area was highlighted by the HCARE lines, which offer customized maintenance, repairs and parts exchange services with defined deadlines, allowing customers greater predictability of costs and aircraft availability.

Visitors were able to test the Helionix® avionics simulator, take a virtual tour of Airbus' most modern model, the H160, and visit the Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) space, which offers differentiated consultancy and design to the executive aviation market. The brand has tailored options and services that range from finishing the interior of the helicopter cabin to exclusive services, meeting the most demanding requirements. “ACH customers have the HCare First line, with a maintenance package of 5 years or 1,000 hours,” explains Marelli.

Marking its debut at the event, Flapper, the first seat-sharing company in executive aviation in Brazil, presented to the public more information about its air mobility services, both in sharing and in chartering aircraft (jets and helicopters), all made through your app. According to Paul Malicki, CEO of Flapper, participating in LABACE is a way to expand the relationship with important brands and professionals in the market and possibly make new business, in addition to providing the public with more details about the service offered.

"The fact that startups are starting to participate in events traditionally associated with the world's largest aviation companies confirms our important role in market development. During the event, we intend to show the application's new functions and solutions for companies, fostering technology of the sector", emphasizes Malicki.

Other large executive aircraft manufacturers were present, Embraer with the Phenon 100EV, Phenom 300E, Legacy 450, Legacy 500 and Legacy 650 aircraft; Canadian Bombardier with the Global 6000 and Challenger 350; Dassault Falcon with Falcon 8X and Falcon 2000; Cirrus with Vision being the LABACE 2018 highlight for the first time at the fair; the Aviation Leader with the Hondajet Elite; Pilatus with the PC-12NG; and the luxury Gulfstream with the G650ER, G600 and G280, among many other manufacturers.

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