NBAA-BACE 2026 concludes with aircraft debuts and regulatory announcements in Las Vegas

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) concluded its 2026 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas on 20–22 October, bringing together federal aviation leaders, aircraft manufacturers, and technology exhibitors. According to General Aviation News, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced during the event that the FAA selected BETA Technologies as the first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer approved for passenger demonstration flights. The convention also hosted FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.

Aircraft and engine debuts

Multiple manufacturers unveiled new platforms and systems. Pratt & Whitney Canada introduced its certified PT9 turboprop engine. Textron Aviation's Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen 2 and the Gulfstream G400 flight test aircraft made their convention debuts.

SyberJet unveiled a mockup of its nine-seat SJ36 and, according to company officials, secured letters of intent for more than 50 aircraft. On the convention floor, more than 100 first-time exhibitors showcased emerging technologies, including Beyond Aero's hydrogen-powered ONE and the DTA JP1 hybrid-eVTOL aircraft.

Exhibitor participation and attendance

Dozens of business aircraft were displayed during the event at Henderson Executive Airport, including models from Aviat Aircraft, Boeing Business Jets, Bombardier, Daher, Dassault Falcon, Epic Aircraft, Gulfstream, Honda Aircraft, Piaggio, Pilatus, Piper Aircraft, and Textron Aviation.

Jo Damato, NBAA senior vice president of events and professional engagement, said that "NBAA-BACE was filled with stirring moments of celebration as our business aviation community came together to strengthen safety, advance innovation, engage policymakers and create new opportunities."

Future plans

The NBAA has announced that NBAA-BACE will return to Las Vegas on 19–21 October 2027. The convention serves as the industry's annual gathering for manufacturers, operators, and aviation leaders to showcase new technologies and discuss regulatory developments affecting business aviation.

For aircraft owners and operators, the regulatory approvals announced at NBAA-BACE—particularly the FAA's clearance of BETA Technologies for passenger demonstration flights—signal advancing progress in electric vertical takeoff technology. It is unclear from available reporting what timeline exists for commercial eVTOL operations or how they might affect pricing or availability of traditional jet charter and aircraft ownership.