LABACE Marks 20 Years with Strong Sales, Attendance

The 20th edition of the Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (LABACE) drew 14,157 visitors to São Paulo’s Campo de Marte Airport August 5 to 7, exceeding expectations for Latin America’s largest business aviation trade show. Organized by the Brazilian General Aviation Association (ABAG), the event featured 54 aircraft and more than 150 exhibiting brands.

The association noted that Brazil remains one of the world’s largest business aviation markets, with diverse operations, a robust airport and air navigation network, and a skilled workforce supported by established training centers. However, ABAG cautioned that several factors threaten the sector’s competitiveness. It cited specific concerns, including the common IBS/CBS rate, a selective tax on imports of aircraft and parts, state IPVA collection (except for air services), potential U.S. tariff impacts and reciprocal measures, ESG‑related operational limits, and shortages of specialized technical labor.

Crowds filled the LABACE exhibit halls and aircraft display, and exhibitors reported brisk activity and high-quality traffic from business owners, operators, executives, and industry stakeholders. TAM Executive Aviation announced nine aircraft sales during the show, and Airbus logged its first Brazilian sale of the H140, its newest model in the category with a T-tail. ABAG projects that preliminary deals exceeding $150 million in aircraft, equipment, and services will be finalized in the coming weeks, with an equivalent amount expected by year-end from show-driven business.

“LABACE reaffirms its role as a showcase for business aviation in Brazil and Latin America,” said ABAG CEO Flavio Pires. “More than just an exhibition, it’s a trade show that generates real opportunities and drives the entire industry chain. We are very pleased with the reception, the high level of visitors, and the clear demonstration that general aviation is a strategic tool for the country’s economic development.”

ABAG’s latest data point to a strong first half of 2025 for Brazil’s business aviation sector. Air traffic was up 32% year-over-year, the highest volume since 2020. Fleet totals also climbed, with jets up 18%, turboprops up 13%, and turbine helicopters up 10%. ABAG forecasts that the sector will reach one million flights in Brazil by year-end.

“Business aviation is essential for connectivity and economic development in Brazil,” Pires said. “We need to ensure a regulatory environment that encourages investment, preserves operational safety, and recognizes the sector’s strategic role for the country.”

Pires noted that hosting LABACE at Campo de Marte opened opportunities for expansion, including demonstration flights and enabling visitors to arrive and depart in their own aircraft. The 2026 edition will return to the venue August 4 to 6 next year