King Aerospace Enjoys Strong Presence at NBAA’s Annual Convention

November 2, 2023

A recent industry trade show offered King Aerospace executives the welcome opportunity to meet with customers, and others, and highlight the company’s offerings for commercial aircraft upgrades and modifications.

Taking place Oct. 17-19, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, or NBAA-BACE, brought thousands of attendees to Las Vegas, NV, to meet with their peers and discuss the latest trends affecting the industry.

While always an important show, company Founder and President Jerry King notes this year’s event was something special. “I’ve never had a more productive show in 40+ years of attending NBAA,” he says. “We had a ton of presidential fleet people there and lots of BBJ customers there. We had people from Area 51 there. We even had our competition at our booth!”

Towering over the exhibit floor, the King Aerospace display commanded attention the moment attendees walked into the Central Hall. “You don’t necessarily sell anything at these shows, per se,” says Special Projects Manager Kay Roby-Bragg. “It’s more about name recognition.

“That said, we saw a lot of Boeing customers stop by who’d heard about us,” she continues. “It’s nice seeing how we’ve earned recognition of our expertise in that market.”

Pete Schneider, who recently joined King Aerospace as the company’s new vice-president, program management and special projects, says events like NBAA-BACE remain particularly important in the post-COVID environment. “It is so valuable to see so many people in person,” he adds. “That’s really a gift these days!”

“We met with several customers who we’re in ongoing discussions with for future work, and it was nice to continue those relationships,” says Roby-Bragg. “We also saw those who may be potential customers down the line, as they’ve heard through the grapevine that we’re doing really good things.”

Some who stopped by the King Aerospace booth also brought potential new projects to the company. “One gentleman walked up to me with his name badge covered, and he asked if he looked familiar,” Mr. King says. “I said he did, and he replied ‘well, I’m out of uniform.’

“Turns out he’s on a project I’ve pursued for 40 years!” he continues. “And he said, ‘I’ve got to come and see you in Arkansas because I need your help.’ That’s pretty incredible.”