NBAA’s First 2025 Regional Forum a Resounding Success
/Spurred by picture-perfect weather, a stunning aircraft display and the promise of a new era in advanced air mobility (AAM), the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) 2025 Orlando Regional Forum drew thousands of attendees on Feb. 26 to Florida’s Orlando Executive Airport (KORL).
The exciting industry event brought together current and future business aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers and customers, who heard from some of the industry’s most knowledgeable subject matter experts, and had an opportunity to network on a full and bustling exhibit floor.
“Today, our industry looks forward to embracing the challenges of safety, security, advanced air mobility and sustainability – and we look to do it by working closely together,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen during the forum’s opening session. “This is our first regional forum in Orlando, and we’re excited to show the aircraft, the products, the services and most importantly, the people and passion that define business aviation.”
The forum’s aircraft display featured the world’s most advanced and sophisticated business aircraft from Bombardier, Cirrus Aircraft, Dassault Aviation, Daher Aircraft, Gulfstream Aerospace, Honda Aircraft Company, Leonardo Helicopters, Textron Aviation and more.
The forum served as a compelling showcase for the emerging AAM sector, aimed at helping business aviation achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. That carbon-cutting goal was in focus at the forum as part of the industry’sCLIMBING. FAST. advocacy campaign.
The CLIMBING. FAST. program – which educates policymakers about business aviation’s role in driving job creation, connecting communities to the global marketplace, helping companies succeed, supporting worthy humanitarian endeavors and innovating toward sustainability – was on center stage throughout the event.
Civic leaders turned in strong support for the industry: An opening keynote kicked off with Florida State Rep. Anna Eskamani and Orlando City Commissioner Antonio “Tony” Ortiz, who welcomed attendees, lauded the city’s partnership with NBAA and highlighted business aviation’s value in the city and state. Representatives with the offices of two Florida congressional lawmakers were also on hand to recognize business aviation’s critical role in Florida’s economy and transportation system.
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority CEO Kevin Thibault joined Orlando Mobility Aviation Manager Jacques Coulon for a panel discussion detailing the state’s goal of becoming a hub for advanced air mobility.
An industry AAM panel brought together Eve Air Mobility Chief Commercial Officer Megha Bhatia, Signature Aviation CEO Tony LeFebvre and Vertiports by Atlantic CEO Kevin Cox. All three have been dedicating significant resources to advancing the region’s capacity for AAM.
Exhibitors had high marks for the forum, reflected in a perspective offered by Ron Gofron, director of sales and marketing at Klatt Works. “When I’m at the forum, I can connect with potential customers, including business jet owners, FBOs and MRO houses, to promote their products and explore partnerships,” he said. “I love having the opportunity to engage in interactive conversations with the potential customers we’re looking for.”
Attendees included more than 400 career-minded students hosted by the Central Florida Business Aviation Association and the NBAA Young Professionals in Business Aviation Council. Students learned firsthand about the exciting careers available in business aviation.
“What’s eye-opening is the extensive availability of all the companies that are here – to be able to speak to them and learn about different opportunities to potentially pursue in the future,” said Isaac Perry, a freshman at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University studying aviation business administration.
For the first time at an NBAA Regional Forum, focused sessions included an informative panel on runway and surface safety, featuring guidance and best practices from a veteran air traffic controller. “I like the sessions; they’re very informative, especially this one on runway incursion,” said first-time attendee Kim Naberhaus, a dispatcher and commercial pilot with over 1,500 hours of experience.
The forum also included a panel discussion by NBAA Air Traffic Services on effective strategies for navigating Florida’s airspace when weather and other factors complicate operations.
The 2025 NBAA White Plains Regional Forum takes place June 4 at Westchester County Airport.