Innovation Evident in New GA, BizAv Products 

Business and general aviation manufacturers introduced several exciting aircraft and products this year.  

New products and aircraft designs often face frequent delays in the launch schedule. In addition, supply chain issues, ongoing workforce concerns, and regulatory challenges continue to impact product timelines.  

“General aviation manufacturers continue to innovate and build on previously successful programs across the product spectrum,” said Jens Hennig, Vice President of Operations at the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).  

“Core to the industry’s ability to bring new products and upgrades to aircraft is a safe and efficient certification process. Unfortunately, that process has recently encountered some challenges. Still, we are optimistic that FAA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and other regulators are bringing on board new talent and re-engaging in risk-based type certification and validation,” said Hennig. 

However, despite these challenges, many new product announcements and updates took place in 2022. 

Gulfstream Aerospace led the charge with its G800 and two G700 aircraft on display at NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in October, which was held in Orlando.  

The G800 took its inaugural flight in June 2022 and publicly debuted at NBAA-BACE. The G800 includes innovative features for both flight crew and passengers, with dual heads-up displays, a combined vision system for flight crew, and a circadian lighting system for passengers.  

The G700s on display at NBAA-BACE were fully outfitted, demonstrating different interiors. Interior options in the G700 include an “ultra-galley” with more than 10 feet of counter space, a large suite with a fixed bed, a spacious lavatory with a shower, and a new seat design.  

With the new products comes the need for more space – Gulfstream will soon be expanding its Savannah, GA, headquarters by 262,000 sq. ft. and building or expanding repair and support facilities in Dallas, TX, and Mesa, AZ, in 2023. 

The Leonardo AgustaWestland AW609 tiltrotor aircraft in VIP configuration was also displayed at NBAA-BACE. The company says it is “transforming the world of rotor-wing aircraft, easing travel between cities.” The test fleet has over 1,800 flight hours, and the company is ramping up for entry into service soon. 

Bombardier, meanwhile, unveiled its Global 8000 in May. The Global 8000 features industry-leading numbers in both range – 8,000 nautical miles – and a top speed of Mach 0.94. In October, the company introduced its new Executive cabin, which includes novel configurations with versatile furnishings that convert to create workspaces and rest spaces.  

Dassault’s Falcon 6X, launched in 2018 with intended delivery in 2022, is in the final stages of certification with the FAA and EASA. The company expects the 6X, the quietest Falcon ever, to be ready for delivery in mid-2023. The 6X launches a fourth-generation EASy flight deck, standard on the 6X. The EASy IV, as with previous EASy systems, is based on Honeywell’s Prime Epic system but adds Honeywell’s latest NextGen flight management system.  

The smaller aircraft manufacturers are looking to innovate new products as well. 

At EAA AirVenture this past July, Daher unveiled its new Kodiak 900. The Kodiak 900 retains the backcountry qualities of its predecessors, including short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities in rugged conditions. Still, it adds 3.9 feet to the fuselage to create more passenger room and cargo space. In addition, it cruises at 210 KTS while burning 9% less fuel – evidence of Daher’s commitment to sustainability. Development began in 2016, with the first Kodiak 900 flight in 2022.  

The Piper M600/SLS is the first GA aircraft certified by Garmin Autoland. The aircraft also features the G300, including upgrades to synthetic vision system weather radar and SafeTaxi, a 3D depiction of the ground environment to increase pilot situational awareness and mitigate the risk of incursions.  

Bye Aerospace says it continues to progress in its certification path for the first electric, fixed-wing aircraft to be certified under the new Part 23 (Amendment 64). The company began flying the prototype of the eFlyer 2 trainer in April 2018.