Business aviation never sits still and, as a consequence, the LABACE exhibition continues to generate new interest as the world’s manufacturers bring new types and developments to the show. As Latin America’s leading business aviation expo, LABACE not only provides a showcase for manufacturers promoting their new aircraft to potential customers in Brazil, but to those in the region as a whole.

As in previous years, the 2018 LABACE exhibition welcomes several new aircraft and developments making their first appearances. This year’s crop of debutants covers almost the entire spectrum of business and general aviation, ranging from the majestic G600 from Gulfstream to the innovative Cirrus SF 50 Vision Jet, an all-composite seven-seater powered by a single Williams FJ33-5A turbofan.

FAA certification of the SF50 was issued in October 2016, and by the end of the year, the first SF50 had been delivered to a customer. The type is now in full production. Aimed primarily at experienced private and business fliers wishing to move into the jet world, the Vision Jet represents an easy-to-fly, high-performing alternative to the larger single- and twin-engine turboprop designs. Cirrus was awarded the 2017 Collier Trophy by the U.S. National Aeronautic Association for its development and production of the SF50.

At the other end of the spectrum, the G600 is one of two new models (the other being the G500) that Gulfstream has introduced to revitalize its product line. Both are powered by the Pratt & Whitney PW800 engine, and both have the latest avionics and cabin features. The G600 is the larger of the two and has a range of 6,500 nm. The G500 recently received FAA/EASA certification, with the G600 due to follow later this year.

Among other aircraft making their debut appearances at LABACE 2018 is the HondaJet Elite, of which the first deliveries began earlier this month. The Elite represents a significant development over the original HA-420 HondaJet design, with additional fuel capacity for longer range, increased elevator authority for shorter takeoff runs, enhanced Garmin G3000 avionics, and redesigned engine intakes, among other improvements.

Brazil’s own Embraer also has a new model on show, the Phenom 300E. With the “E” standing for Enhanced, the Phenom 300E introduces a host of improvements, notably an all-new cabin design with luxurious fittings and state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system. The aircraft on display at LABACE flew in for the show from Embraer’s plant at Melbourne, Florida, where the Phenom 300E is made.

Textron is exhibiting its Cessna Citation Longitude for the first time at LABACE. Powered by Honeywell HTF7700L engines and featuring a Garmin G5000 avionics suite, the Longitude made its first flight in October 2016. It is replacing the Citation X+ in the Cessna lineup. Other debutants include the Piper M600, the latest iteration of the company’s turboprop-powered six-seater family that began with the PA-46-500TP Malibu Meridian. Piper has rebranded its former Malibu range as the “M-class.”

With São Paulo being one of the most important centers for rotary-wing corporate transportation and air taxi operations, and with aeromedical and other public services increasingly turning to air assets, it is not surprising that helicopters have always figured prominently in the LABACE exhibition. This year is no exception with examples of the Bell 505, Helibras/Airbus Helicopters H145, and the AW169 from Leonardo on show, alongside other types.