Despite Difficult Times, Business Aviation in Brazil Remains Optimistic

The LABACE show opened today in Brazil with a feeling of optimism despite signs of a difficult year. However cautious, Eduardo Marson, president of industry group ABAG announced that ‘the market grew by 5-6%, as it has for the last decade’.

Operators were placed under pressure during the World Cup earlier this year and restrictions were tight, particularly regarding parking throughout the tournament.

Many issues facing the industry will be topics of discussion at the LABACE show, held at Sao Paulo’s Congonhas Airport. It appears that a continued lack of airports investments will be a key issue, according to a statement given to press by director general of ABAG, Ricardo Nogueira. Manufacturers, operators, customers and support providers will come together at the show to air recent difficulties and discuss possible improvements in addition to the state of the industry.

“We’ve seen little effort to handle more aircraft, only to handle more passengers,” Mr Nogueira said. “There’s been a focus on terminals, and not on airports. There has been nothing relevant to improve capacity for air traffic, only localized, uncoordinated and temporary actions.”

The show exhibitor numbers are up 2% and as a result, the exhibition area has been increased by 10%, with a greater number of larger aircraft on show. Visitor numbers are estimated to contain 32% upper management attendance and at least to match last years’ figures.