LABACE 2019

For the tenth consecutive year, É MAIS QUE FLY was present in another LABACE

Labace 2019 – the largest business aviation fair in Latin America – reached the mark of more than 12,700 visitors this year at Congonhas Airport, in São Paulo, a 25% increase over the previous year. The event, which is already considered the largest in Latin America, had 50 aircraft on display and more than 140 brands, including the main players in the world aviation industry, such as Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream, Helibras, Leonardo, Líder Aviação and Tam Aviação Executive.

"The fair is more and more a space for business, people come to see up close the model they want to buy and effectively close deals or start negotiations that will end in sale in a few more weeks", said Flavio Pires, general director of the ABAG (Brazilian Association of General Aviation), organizer of the fair. Brazil owns the second largest executive aviation fleet in the world and is among the largest helicopter fleets as well.

This year, the conference cycle was one of the highlights of LABACE, with a total of twenty events held, including workshops and discussion panels, on the topics that most arouse the interest of the aeronautical industry, such as urban air mobility and use from drones to specialized air services, the future of aviation fuels, the pirate air taxi, the new rules for managing fatigue, and many others.

Over the three days of LABACE, hundreds of people followed the debates and participated in the discussions that will guide the future of business aviation in the country, including two lectures by business consultants: economist Alexandre Schwartsman, to talk about the economic scenario , and the administrator Maximiliano Bavaresco, specialized in business strategy.

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The Highlights of LABACE 2019

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In the month that celebrates 50 years of history, Embraer presented its new Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 executive jets for the first time at LABACE.  The Praetors are the newest releases from Embraer that use the same fuselage as the Legacy, but which received more technologically advanced improvements in their categories and this new name.

During the fair, Embraer received the Type Certificate for the Praetor 500 jet, in the medium jet category, granted by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). The Praetor 500 was launched late last year during the NBAA-BACE (National Business Aviation Association's Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition) and surpassed its certification goals with an intercontinental range of 3,340 nautical miles (6,186 km, with four passengers and NBAA reserves IFR), a high cruise speed of 466 knots, a load capacity of 726 kg with full tanks, a takeoff runway length of just 1,287 meters (4,222 ft), and a landing runway length of 636 meters (2,086 ft). ). For a flight of 1,000 nautical miles (1,852 km) the takeoff runway length is only 867 meters (2,842 ft).

“The Praetor 500 certification is an achievement that gives us even more reason to celebrate our 50 years of history. This revolutionary aircraft is a tribute to our teams' commitment to excellence and a preview of the pioneering spirit that Embraer will achieve over the next 50 years,” said Michael Amalfitano, President and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. “With the highest performance, technology and comfort in its class, the Praetor 500 becomes the best mid-range business jet ever created, raising the bar for customer experience in its class. It is with great satisfaction that we announce that we have already sold the Praetor 500, including in Brazil”.

With certification, the Praetor 500 (formerly the Legacy 450) becomes the fastest, longest-range medium jet, capable of non-stop flights in North America, from Miami to Seattle or from Los Angeles to New York. It also connects the west coast of North America to Europe and South America, from Los Angeles to London or São Paulo, with one stop. In addition to connecting Porto Alegre to New York or São Paulo  to Paris with a single stop, the Praetor 500 has superior performance and allows safe operation in airports with limited access, such as Angra dos Reis and Jacarepaguá.  In the cockpit, the Praetor 500 features the latest version of Collins Aerospace's advanced Pro Line Fusion avionics panel. Some of the options are unique such as the unique vertical weather display feature, air traffic control-like situational alert with ADSB-IN and the predictive capability of the wind shear early identification radar, as well as options such as E2VS (from English Embraer Enhanced Vision System with HUD (Head-up Display) and EVS (Enhanced Vision System), Inertial Reference System and Synthetic Vision Guidance System , Synthetic Vision Guidance System).

The Praetor 600 is a super medium jet, with capacity for up to 12 passengers, with an intercontinental range of 4,018 nautical miles (7,441 km), the largest among its peers, allowing nonstop flights between São Paulo and Miami ( USA), between Rio de Janeiro and Fort Lauderdale (USA), or between Madrid (Spain) and Recife.

  The Praetor 600, for example, is the only one in its category that manages to take off and land so short and fly so far, making São Paulo-Miami nonstop. In addition, both models offer an unprecedented customer experience in their respective segments,” said Gustavo Teixeira, Embraer Executive Aviation Sales Director for Latin America. “With superior design and ergonomics, the jet provides a more comfortable flight and the best cabin altitude (5,800 ft) in its class, as well as a smoother flight thanks to turbulence reduction based on Embraer's full fly-by-wire technology. . High-speed Internet connectivity is among the attributes that provide more productivity and comfort to our customers,” he added.

In addition to an important share of the world market, with deliveries exceeding 1,400 executive jets, Embraer has a preponderant presence in the Brazilian market. In the last 10 years, of every two executive jets delivered in Brazil, one was manufactured by Embraer. This fleet, spread across the country, has a high utilization rate: on average, every 20 minutes takes off in Brazil an executive aircraft produced by Embraer, which demonstrates how the company's product portfolio meets the needs of the most varied of air traffic profiles. Brazilian customer, bringing continuous productivity gains.

In addition to the new Praetor aircraft, Embraer also exhibited its Phenom 100EV jets, corresponding to the third generation of the renowned Phenom 100, which is the most successful executive jet in the history of Brazilian executive aviation, and the Phenom 300E, the leading global light jet in sales of the last decade, with more than 500 units in operation in 30 countries. As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, Embraer also exhibited the pioneer Bandeirante, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that led to the creation of the manufacturer, on August 19, 1969, for its series production.

Again this year, Embraer's services area brought LABACE the TechCare Space with a set of efficient support solutions to provide the best after-sales experience to customers, who can also count on a network of own and authorized service centers throughout Latin America and a call center that works every day of the week, 24 hours a day.

Helibras, the only Brazilian helicopter manufacturer, a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters and Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) announced sales of five aircraft during the event.

The manufacturer announced the sale of two ACH125s at the fair. One for a client from Goiânia and another for one from the interior of São Paulo. Among the options chosen by customers are autopilot, leather-covered seats, 100% touchscreen panel (Garmin G500 TXi) and touchscreen GPS (GTN750). One of these customers purchased its third branded helicopter and the other is already moving to the fourth Airbus/Helibras aircraft in just 15 years.

Another sale announced at LABACE was the ACH130, a reference in the tourism market due to its large cabin and its large panoramic windows. The aircraft is already the fourth purchased by the same customer from Belo Horizonte (MG) and accommodates seven people, including the pilot. The helicopter also has custom painting, leather seats, digital air conditioning, bluetooth, among other options.

The ACH135 Line is also among the sales announced at the event. The helicopter was purchased by a client in São Paulo, his first for the brand. As one of Airbus/Helibras' most successful light models, the aircraft is known for its high strength, compact size, versatility and the lowest operating cost in its category.

Finally, the company announced the sale of an ACH145 Line to the Brazilian market. The ACH145 Line, one of the manufacturer's bets for the world VIP market, has excellent comfort, sound insulation and innovative design. Its sliding doors allow easy access for passengers and its spacious cabin allows for a variety of interior configurations, accommodating up to 10 seats in perforated leather, in harmony in tone with the carpets, special painting in the cabin and digital air conditioning.

“We are very happy because the sales we announce during this LABACE are both for customers who already operate our branded products and for new ones. This demonstrates the confidence of those who are renewing their fleets not only for the quality of our product, but for our ability to offer maintenance services quickly and efficiently”, said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, President of Helibras.

One of the largest exhibitors at the event for the fourth consecutive year in the number of aircraft exhibited, TAM Executive Aviation, representative in Brazil by the manufacturer of the Textron Aviation group (which are: Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker and Bell Helicopters) brought ten aircraft to LABACE 2019 at the fair, with emphasis on the Citations Longitude and Latitude, the King Air 250, the Grand Caravan Ex equipped with the new Garmin G1000 NXi panel, the Bell 505 that stirred up the light monoturbine segment since it was introduced to the market in 2015, the Baron 58, which this year the aircraft is celebrating 50 years of its first flight. The Baron has good performance with a piston engine that plays an important role in the company's leadership in the piston market. On June 23, 1969, pilots flew the Baron 58 prototype for the first time, paving the way for the next five decades of groundbreaking evolution. Since the first aircraft was manufactured in 1970, more than 3,100 of these aircraft have been delivered worldwide. Other other aircraft that TAM exhibited were the Cessna Citation CJ3+, the Citation M2, the King Air C90 and the Bell 429.  

“In this first semester, we were surprised by the excellent results, especially in the sales area. Compared to the same period last year and 2017, we have already sold much higher numbers so far. In maintenance and FBO services, the expectation is for a 10% increase compared to the previous year, a clear sign of the market reaction”, highlighted Leonardo Fiuza, president of TAM AE.

During the event, TAM launched the second edition of the Premiado Service promotion, which gave prizes to frequent users of its FBO (Fixed Base Operator) services. This year, the promotion gained new features, in addition to a new name: Turbo Service. To participate, the pilot or operator simply registered on the promotion's website and provided assistance at TAM AE bases or at partner bases.

For the fifth consecutive time, the Honda Aircrafts representative Aviation Leader was present at LABACE with the HondaJet Elite that was on display at the stand. Currently, there are already four Honda aircraft delivered in Brazil since its launch in 2015 in the country and 17 worldwide. Líder Aviação has more than 20 operational bases in the main Brazilian airports, and is able to offer full support to put the aircraft into service, together with the Honda Aircraft Company, located in Greensboro, in the United States, which supports the network. dealers in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul. The jet incorporates a series of technological innovations that have resulted in improved aerodynamics, superior performance and improved fuel efficiency.

"The HondaJet has been consolidating in the world market and gaining new certifications for operation. Proof of this is the recent announcement that Honda Aircraft Company will expand its global headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA, to meet the demands that are always emerging with excellence," stated Philipe Figueiredo, Aircraft Sales and Acquisitions director at Líder Aviação.

In 2018, the HondaJet Elite was announced to the Brazilian market during the previous edition of LABACE and establishes itself as the fastest jet, flying at higher altitude, quieter and with the best fuel efficiency in its category, defining a new standard in business aviation.

Also during the event, Líder and Gulfstream announced the partnership as one of the new Gulfstream Authorized Maintenance Centers in Brazil. In addition, Líder will also be the focal point for the sale of parts, being the exclusive representative for this service in Latin America, and they also emphasized that Líder will carry out repairs and maintenance services in cell of large and medium-cabin aircraft, including Gulfstream models G150, G500, G550, G600, G650ER, G650, G550 and G280.

Dassault Falcon has confirmed the presence of two aircraft in this year's edition – the ultra-long range trijet Falcon 8X (one of the manufacturer's most luxurious aircraft, is also a successor to the 7x) and the Falcon 2000S.

With a range of 6,450nm/12,000km, the Falcon 8X has the autonomy to go from São Paulo to Moscow non-stop, and was one of the biggest attractions at the fair. The Falcon 2000S with a range of 3,350nm/6,200km, which has a large, comfortable cabin and integrated high-tech, was also one of the most visited during the entire event.

Another attraction reserved for this year at LABACE was the virtual presentation of the Falcon 6X, the newest aircraft in the Falcon family. Falcon 6X virtual reality demonstrations took place in the cottage. Guests experienced the fully passenger-centric cabin, three lounge configurations, and a range of extensive crew entry and rest options. The all-new cockpit, with a third-generation EASy III and a fully digital cockpit, can also be seen. As is already a tradition at Labace, the Dassault Falcon cottage officially opened with a cocktail and musical performance by singer Kell Smith and the confirmed presence of CEO Jean Rosanvallon.

Goodyear, one of the world's largest tire manufacturers and a leading aviation manufacturer, highlighted the innovation and technology of its products with the launch of Flight Radial (H26.5x8.0R14 Flight Radial 210mph) at LABACE. The ultra-light radial tire that offers high performance on landings, is approved for use in aircraft such as Boeing 777X, 737 MAX 8/9, 787-9 / 10 and Airbus A320, executive jets such as the Citation X +, Embraer Praetor 500/ 600, Gulfstream G500, G600, G650 and the Global 7500, and regional ones such as the ATR 72, the model was recently shown at the Paris AirShow.  During Labace, Goodyear also celebrated the centenary of the company in Brazil and the 50th anniversary of the partnership with Embraer and the centenary of the company in Brazil and the 110th anniversary of Goodyear worldwide. At the stand, an image of the Praetor 600 in the background showed the new aircraft of the national company, equipped with the new Flight Radial tire. Goodyear has two new aircraft tire manufacturing facilities (Denver, United States and Bangkok, Thailand) and five retreading operations, two in the US, one in Thailand, one in the Netherlands and one in Brazil.

Octans Aircraft was present at LABACE 2019 and presented for the first time the Cygnus aircraft, a single-engine aircraft that will have capacity for 5 people and which is already under development at the factory in São João da Boa Vista (215 km from São Paulo).  The flight testing phase is scheduled to start in the second half of the year and certification next year.  The Cygnus has a metallic structure, high cantilever wing, fixed tricycle landing gear, night VRF and IFR, Garmin touch screen digital panel, air conditioning, seat belts with airbags and a high standard interior. The new aircraft will leave the factory equipped with a Lycoming IO-540 300hp engine and a Hartzell metallic tripod propeller. The aircraft was developed to meet the ANAC/FAA Part23 certification requirements and the demonstration campaign for compliance with the requirements begins in 2020, in line with the ANAC (National Agency) iBR2020 Program (Incentive Program for the Certification of Small Aircraft of Civil Aviation). In terms of internal comfort, the Cygnus was developed by Studio Marcelo Teixeira – Arch & Transportation Design and Manufactured by F/LIST, based in Austria. Among the differentials, exclusive versions with wood and carbon finish, ample space for five occupants, leather seats with adjustments and recline, retractable armrests, belts with airbag, USB ports for all occupants and 12V power points for laptops and smartphones. In terms of avionics, the Cygnus will be equipped with advanced flight displays with integrated GPS VRF WASS, main flight display (PFD) and multifunction display (MFD), as well as optional display and highly configurable engine indication system (EIS), touch interface 10.6 inch screen and screen size.

Also during LABACE, Octans paid tribute to João Felipe Miranda Demito, from Tocantins, buyer of a Cygnus aircraft. João Felipe received a plate made with the same material as the fuselage of the new aircraft. So far, 3 aircraft (slots) have been sold.

Helicopter manufacturer Kopter has confirmed participation in LABACE 2019 for the first time. The company, which has just arrived in Brazil, has officially announced the project to build a factory in the country, as it did in the United States earlier this year. At the fair, Kopter also presented the full-size and configured mock-up of the SH09 multi-mission helicopter, a model that it starts to market here.

"We chose Labace to make the official presentation of Kopter in the country because it is the most important event in Latin America," said Christian Gras, executive vice president of Kopter, who was in São Paulo during the fair.

The partner chosen by Kopter to bring the brand to the Brazilian market, Gualter Helicópteros, is a company specialized in the sale of aircraft focused on executive aviation in Brazil. Currently, it has the largest register of aircraft for sale, especially helicopters.

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Note: WE'RE MORE THAN FLYING we limited the photos during LABACE 2019 due to "lack of empathy" for us when receiving during the visit to the stand. With this, we take this attitude, not to disclose through our photos (do this marketing) and to advertise the product of these exhibitors due to this "lack of empathy and arrogance" with us through press officers / exhibitors. We hope that next time you will be more receptive to visitors who can be future customers for these exhibitors.