2017 TRENDS IN BUSINESS AVIATION

The Cessna Citation Longitude will come standard with Iridium satcom and the Clarity system, which hosts global airborne internet via onboard touchscreens, controllers, or smart devices with a downloaded app.

Leonardo’ AW169 helicopter is doing well with corporate customers who appreciate its wireless control and entertainment system, which enables streaming media to their devices or a cabin monitor.

Send Solutions Airtext+ Iridium satcom system has already been pleasing passengers with its nickel text service, where each text costs just $.05 to send. The system is now getting an upgrade with “Big Data” capabilities. Looks like those selfies in the sky will start to go through.

Garmin debuted its new wx radar, which is feature packed, including a new atmospheric threat assessment, warning pilots of conditions that may lead to hail and lightening. Garmin is proving a solid aviation company, seeing a 10% growth in its aviation division since 2015.

Gogo Business Aviation demonstrated its Avance L5 high-speed air-to-ground connectivity system’s capabilities: The new antennas provide connection to two towers at once, enabling more robust streaming power- notably, streaming a Netflix movie in-flight was no problem.

Moving maps aren’t necessarily new, but FDS Avionics is allowing passengers to explore cities and towns in 2 and 3D using their own smartphone or tablet.

For aircraft made before 2010, on-board entertainment is completely outdated. Several companies are bringing solutions that don’t require a completely installed, retrofit (expensive) project. Innov8 displayed cabin management systems like usb chargers to power and arms to hold personal devices, while our own Encompass Portable Server solution enables connectivity on-board in an affordable, portable package.

INTERIORS

Crystal AirCruise’s VIP 777-200LR “Crystal Skye” interior was completed by Greenpoint Tech. Featuring a stone-veneer bar, lounge for passengers to eat, drink and visit, as well as sofas, dining tables and plenty of space to stand and stretch, the design matches Crystal’s exclusivity and style.

Duncan Aviation, a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) company says requests for brighter colors, larger-scale patterns and more personalized interiors are on the rise, as well as colored lighting.

GROUND SYSTEMS & PRODUCTS

Alphachocks offers a well designed and engineered alternative to chocks, which are decidedly unsexy, but vital to ground handling safety. Replacing slippery wood or heavy rubber alternatives, these collapsible, lightweight devices are a welcome alternative.

FRESH

Uber is planning to launch demo urban electric vertical takeoff and landing networks (eVTOL) by 2020. In an effort to create an on-demand urban transportation system, Uber says the type and scale of aircraft being manufactured would have to change. They’re working with Bell, Embraer, Aurora, Pipistrel and Mooney on craft and technologies.

A mini-cabin within the cabin, Aerospace Technologies Group showed off their Skypod prototype. While the prototype was intended to promote the company’s core offering (shade systems), the Skypod suggested some innovative R&D processes are in place there.

FUNCTIONAL BEAUTY

Nexcelle’s nacelle is not your ordinary nacelle. Developed with a goal of low weight and low drag, designers created a functional and beautiful piece of technology.

Aviation Partners’ composite and aluminum winglets are not only beautful, they also cut drag by up to 7%.

SUPERSONIC FLIGHT

Supersonic flight was banned by Congress decades ago, but measures are being taken to revisit this topic, possibly lifting bans on aircraft with low or no-sonic boom technologies and to look into operational and safety considerations. Several companies are working hard toward delivering on a supersonic travel experience.

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