The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) says exhibitor and attendance numbers are up over last year's convention and spots for display aircraft were sold out, but outside of the event analysts remain cool about the industry's recovery. The NBAA convention "remains a must-attend" event for industry players, according to NBAA CEO Ed Bolen. And to casual observers an increase in attendance and vendors at NBAA's convention can suggest anything from good things to businesses seeking leverage in difficult times. Analysts are more direct. Gary Crichlow of Ascend Aviation Consultancy told a Financial Times reporter that 2011 looks to bring "more of the same" for business aviation. Crichlow believes "2012 will be when things start picking up." The Teal Group's Richard Aboulafia called 2010 a year of "convalescing" and believes recovery is unlikely prior to 2012. NBAA's Bolen contends that this year's convention shows that, in his industry, "people and companies are optimistic and forward-looking." And, at least for products at the highest end of the bizjet price range, there may be reason for that optimism.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/news/nbaa-convention-and-industry-trend