The first LABACE Has Come And Gone …
The first annual Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (LABACE) was held last week amid much fanfare. The only Latin American event of its kind to focus exclusively on business aviation, LABACE was held from March 13 to 15 in So Paulo, Brazil. The exhibition featured nearly 80 Exhibitors in 185 booth spaces at the Transamrica Expo Center, and 16 aircraft on Static Display at the Congonhas Airport. Some of the exhibiting companies on-hand included: Gulfstream Aerospace, Bombardier Aerospace, Dassault Falcon Jet and Embraer. Various interior and supply companies — including Lufthansa Tecnik — were on display. Before this year’s event had even concluded, the 2004 show’s date had been already announced. LABACE 2004 will be held on March 4 to 6, 2004, in So Paulo, Brazil.
… With Bombardier Showing A Strong Presence
Because of its large presence in Brazil, Bombardier Aerospace decided to exhibit at LABACE in full force. Three Bombardier aircraft appeared on static display at Congonhas Airport during LABACE, including an ultra-long-range Bombardier Global Express, a Learjet 45 super-light business jet, and a pre-owned Learjet 60 transcontinental business jet. In addition to its static display, Bombardier had an exhibit at the main exhibition hall in the Transamrica Expo Center, and also hosted maintenance and operation sessions for its Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft families. At LABACE, Bombardier celebrated two key program milestones in the week before the event. The Bombardier Global 5000 completed a successful first flight on March 7, and will now begin a relatively short flight test and certification program. The fifth Bombardier Challenger 300 joined its flight test program with a successful first flight on March 8.
