A Helicopter Show within an Aviation Show LABACE is unique in that it features a large presence by the helicopter sector, almost to the point of being a ‘show within a show’. This of course makes sense, considering that helicopters are a key means of executive transportation in places like São Paulo, a city that even has its own specific air controllers for this type of aircraft. Brazil’s helicopter sector is so large it is responsible for much of the economic development and job creation happening in the city, region and even the country. Almost 40 years ago, the growth of the helicopter sector in Brazil led the aerospatiale to create a subsidiary called Helibras – today part of Airbus Helicopters. Helibras is bringing its range of civil helicopters to LABACE, including the small H120 Colibri and the powerful H225, developed from the Puma. However, according to company representatives, the focus will be on the H160 this year. Bell helicopters still maintains a good market share in the Latin American, although Airbus Helicopters is quickly catching up. Currently, Bell offers seven different models. At LABACE, the star models will include the Bell
407, a highly demanded aircraft for flights over South America’s big capital cities. There will also be much interest in the possibilities offered by the heir of the legendary JetRanger, the new Bell 505. In the case of Leonardo Helicopters, its star products at LABACE will be its
three medium weight models: AW139, AW169 and AW189, which in VIP and executive configurations are seeing great sales success. Also, the latest modernized models of the classic A109 will be on exhibit, and in the field of single/mono turbines, the AW119 Koala is becoming an interesting option for passenger transportation. Turning towards the Aircraft – and More Honda Aircraft will be at LABACE via its Brazilian commercial delegation Lider Aviaçao, partners of Bristow. In
Latin America, there is growing interest in the new Honda jet, suitable for private owners of aircraft that use small runways. The Cirrus Vision will also at the show as it looks to grow its market share in the region. Expect the Pilatus PC-24 to get a lot of attention, as opens the Super Versatile Jet category to a
region needing jets capable of operating in very short and unprepared runways - like a turboprop - but with speed, range and comfort of a jet. Pilatus is represented at LABACE by Synerjet Brasil as the exclusive distributor of the executive aircraft for all Latin America. Last but not least, the OEMs that have a direct representation in Brazil: Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault and Embraer, which will all have a significant commercial delegation and aircraft presence at the show. Rounding out the LABACE list of exhibitors are fuel companies like World Fuel Services, Air BP and the aeronautical branch of local company Petrobras. Service providers of all sorts will also be on hand, including Bose, JSSI, Universal Weather and Aviation, Jetex, Goodyear and CAE. There is no doubt that LABACE will be a success, supported enthusiastically by the organization and the Brazilian government itself, which officially considers aviation to be part of the country’s national heritage.
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BART: JULY - AUGUST - 2017 - 45
EXPO
HondaJet will be on stage with Lider Aviaçao (center). Helibras will bring its range of helicopters (below).