My whirlwind afternoon visit to the National Business Aviation Association's 56th Annual Meeting and Convention in Orlando, Florida on October 8, 2003 was primarily to see the jets fueling the hope of future economical on-demand air taxi service. Inside the huge Orange County Convention Center scattered among the almost 1000 vendor exhibits were four of the new manufacturers developing prospective air taxis -- Safire, Avocet, Eclipse, and Sino Swearingen. The latter two had full size aircraft open for attendees to come aboard.  

Several miles away at Executive Airport, the NBAA outdoor exhibit area had airplanes on display, which flew in for the event. Adam Aircraft and Sino Swearingen had a presence there (photos). 

These mini or micro jets are in the 6-7 seat range, and if you are accustomed to conventional airline travel (me, too), where you can walk upright in the aisle and experience some spaciousness, there will be an adjustment upon entering their snug luxury cabins. All are in various stages of development and none are yet FAA certified for passenger service.  

Could there be an airplane in the future that flies without fuel -- no noise -- no emissions? One of the benefits of attending events like this is that you might run into something unexpected. I did at the Hunt Aviation booth. If you weren't there, the next best thing is to visit their website, and see what we may be flying in someday. 

10/28/03
 

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