Story ID: Alert CJI2020 London keynote
Bombardier’s Coleal Bullish on Bizav
By: Ian Sheppard
Caption: Business aviation could see growth, mainly in the large cabin segment, if it enhances customer experience while fending off environment critics.
Word Count: 216
Bombardier has painted an optimistic picture for business aviation over the next 10 years, with more wealthy people in the world “who can avail themselves of business aviation” with the focus firmly in the large cabin jets. But it also points to serious headwinds.

Speaking at Corporate Jet Investor (CJI) London on Monday, Bombardier Aviation president David Coleal noted forecasts that around 7,000 business aircraft will be delivered over the next decade, 28 percent up on the previous similar period. He said the large-cabin jet fleet is expected to grow by 52 percent between now and 2028, while the midsize jet fleet would expand by 14 percent and light jets by 22 percent.

But Coleal said that there were “three distinct questions” for the industry in that time frame: will the market grow meaningfully; will disruptive technology act to enhance the sector (e.g. eVTOLs); and what effect will the climate change debate have as it moves to the top of the agenda?

A discussion panel at the CJI event highlighted the need for better communicating that business aviation represents a minute proportion of global CO2 emissions, while offering economic benefits due to its flexibility, versatility, and reach. Delegates also called for wider adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by the industry as a whole.