There was plenty of star power on hand to help brighten NBAA 2013 as the bizjet industry continues to use celebrity endorsement and attendance to bolster its fortunes. Although not a promotional event per se, few would dispute the draw actor Harrison Ford provided for the opening general session of the convention. Ford was presented theAl Ueltschi Award for Humanitarian Leadership for his work in search and rescue, humanitarian relief, medical flights and the Special Olympics airlift. Ford said he was humbled by the award and pledged to do even more to help others using aviation as a tool. Meanwhile Embraer expanded its association with Chinese action movie star Jackie Chan.
Chan and his entourage swept through the convention halls after he became the launch customer for the Legacy 500 aircraft Embraer will soon introduce to service. Chan was also the launch customer for the Legacy 650 two years ago but appeared by video that year. Eclipse Aviation has also harnessed star power for the launch of its new-build 550 light jet. Iron Maiden front man and former airline pilot Bruce Dickinson was recently type rated in the Eclipse and was on hand for its formal unveiling at NBAA on Tuesday.
