News from NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition

This week we will be following the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition 2023 in Las Vegas. Here are a couple of pieces of news on day one:

Bombardier Accelerates

Tests of New EcoJet Demonstrator

Bombardier has begun accelerating tests of its latest EcoJet blended-wing-body technology demonstrator as it looks to prove the fuel-saving benefits of the radical new configuration and better understand its flight characteristics.

The unmanned 16%-scale aircraft, which first took to the skies last year, has accumulated 10 flights since the resumption of test activity earlier in 2023, according to Stephen McCullough, senior vice-president of engineering and product development at Bombardier.

The EcoJet demonstrator is part of a push by the Canadian airframer to deliver a 50% cut in fuel consumption for a future generation of business jets. The BWB design blends the fuselage and wings into a single seamless structure, which is said to improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce drag.

Bombardier previously flew a smaller 7%-scale model of the EcoJet and was sufficiently encouraged by the results to build the larger demonstrator, which will generate results more representative of a full-size aircraft. If scaled up, the EcoJet demonstrator's 5.4m (18ft)-long wing would equate to an aircraft with a wingspan of around 35m.

In addition to validating the improved aerodynamic performance, Bombardier says the flight tests are needed to improve its understanding of the new control laws required by the "quite unconventional shape" of the BWB design.

"One of the advantages in a larger aircraft is that it gives us the ability to fly a bit longer, a bit faster and a bit higher," says McCullough. "What this does is it gives us real data to go and optimise and configure the next phase of testing... and keeps us focussed on our North Star of getting to the 50% net reduction in emissions."

The flight-test programme is expected to last for at least a couple of years as Bombardier hones the BWB design. Although it is too early to detail any results from the test activity, McCullough says the process has allowed the company's engineers to rapidly make iterative changes to the configuration and then return the vehicle to flight.

Bombardier's eventual goal is to have a "tool kit" it can offer to engineers that can be applied to any future aircraft design. Although the BWB configuration is applicable to the smaller Challenger series, McCullough says it is "more friendly" for an aircraft the size of the 6,000nm (11,100km)-range Global 6000.

Of the total 50% fuel-burn saving targeted for a future aircraft, around 20% will come from the improved aerodynamic performance of the BWB design, a further 20% from a next-generation propulsion system, and 10% from weight saving.

Bombardier remains agnostic on future energy sources, noting that engine manufacturers "are on their own maturity path". The company says that forcing engineers to work around a predetermined propulsion system could have "boxed the team in" and limited its design approach.

Flight testing of the EcoJet demonstrator has been conducted at an undisclosed North American location.

Potential impact of the EcoJet

If Bombardier is successful in developing a BWB business jet with a 50% reduction in fuel consumption, it would have a significant impact on the aviation industry. Such an aircraft would be able to fly further on less fuel, which would reduce operating costs and emissions. It could also open up new markets for business aviation, such as long-haul flights between emerging markets.

The EcoJet is still in the early stages of development, but it represents a promising new approach to aircraft design. Bombardier's commitment to the program and its willingness to invest in new technologies is a positive sign for the future of business aviation.

Business Aviation Financing

Still Set to Grow Despite the Current Economy

The business aviation finance market is set to grow in the coming years, according to a new study by Airbus Corporate Jets. The study, which surveyed 50 private jet brokers and 50 business aviation financiers, found that 82% of respondents expect access to financing to increase over the next three years.

The study also found that there is a growing preference for fixed interest rates over floating rates, with 74% of respondents saying they would prefer fixed rates for leases and credit over the next five years. This is likely due to the current economic uncertainty, which is making businesses more risk-averse.

In terms of aircraft demand, the study found that there is a strong preference for larger business jets. 85% of respondents said they expect to see a jump in demand for larger jets over the next five years. This is likely due to the fact that larger jets offer more range and flexibility, which is important for businesses that operate globally.

The study also found that there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact of business aviation. 93% of senior executives surveyed who charter business aircraft said they would focus on chartering newer, more efficient aircraft, while 95% of those who own or lease aircraft said they are investing more in technology for route optimization to reduce fuel burn and emissions.

Overall, the study paints a positive picture for the future of the business aviation finance market. There is strong demand for financing, a growing preference for fixed interest rates, and a growing awareness of the environmental impact of business aviation. These trends are likely to drive growth in the market in the coming years.

The study also found that specialist lenders are expected to increase their market share over mainstream banks.

At NBAA you will also be able to pick up a copy of the latest edition of Avbuyer Magazine, featuring my article about buying a jet with Bitcoin.

If any of you have been thinking of flying by private jet and haven’t done so yet, how about leasing a jet for 3-12 months? I have various aircraft available for lease. Feel free to email me:

[email protected]

Hope you enjoyed this newsletter and remember to get a copy of my book, the Quantum Economy.