By Allison Lampert
ORLANDO, Oct 17 (Reuters) – Planemakers will trot out their latest models and efforts to reduce emissions at the world’s largest corporate jet show this week, as a boom in private travel faces pressure over climate, supply chain woes and economic uncertainty.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) show starts on Tuesday in Orlando in the shadow of a United Nations aviation goal set this month to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. It will also test the strength of business jet demand, which surged during COVID-19 and swelled order backlogs, but could now face a softer economy.
Honeywell International Inc has forecast up to 8,500 new business jet deliveries worth $274 billion from 2023 to 2032, up 15% from last year’s outlook, while usage in 2022 is expected to climb 9%.
While demand remains strong, there is also hesitation among some buyers, said Zipporah Marmor, incoming chair of the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA).
“Those who can wait are waiting to see what the new year brings, to see if there will be more inventory, to see if there will be a softening of pricing,” said Marmor.
Despite a strong job market in the United States – the world’s largest market for business aviation – the risks of a downturn next year are mounting as the Federal Reserve ramps up its fight against inflation.
Business jets have also become a target of environmentalists – including one activist who lit his arm on fire during a fall tennis tournament -…
