NBAA cancels San Diego Light Business Aircraft show

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has canceled its 2009 Light Business Airplane Conference (LBA2009). NBAA says that the state of the economy caused the decision to cancel the event—originally set for March 13 and 14 in San Diego. LBA2009 was an event that NBAA hoped would emphasize its interest in the very light jet (VLJ) and the light-jet phenomenon, as well as recruit new members from that sector of general aviation.

“NBAA is totally committed to serving those who rely on light business airplanes, as well as those who are considering how to fit these aircraft into their business models,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “But in this economic climate, it is difficult to launch an event that our members and exhibitors expect from NBAA. We all know that our industry is finding it necessary to limit travel and marketing expenses.”

Now the plan is to incorporate the LBA2009 concept into NBAA’s annual convention, being held this year in Orlando from Oct. 20 through 22. Bolen said, “By incorporating the conference into the convention, the entrepreneurs and pilots for whom LBA was specifically designed will now be able to participate in the full two days of education sessions—including Cessna’s Single-Pilot Safety Standdown—and still have an additional day to see all the general aviation products and services on display at the industry’s largest purely civil aviation trade show.”