Part 1: Conversation with Brad Mottier, Vice President at GE Business & General Aviation
The Business Aviation Law Blog had a chance to speak with Brad Mottier, the vice president at GE Business & General Aviation. In this two-post series, we discuss with Mr. Mottier the role GE has played in the business aviation market and where the industry is headed. In this first post, we look at the business aviation industry as a whole and its future internationally. We explore the role China will play in the years to come as well as GE’s continued dedication to improving business aviation. In the next post we will discuss some of GE’s technological advancements in its new engines.
Business Aviation Law Blog: GE Aviation is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines and components for commercial, business and military aircraft. What does GE Aviation see as the market outlook in the business aviation industry? What are the challenges and opportunities?
Brad Mottier: The business jet segment has been affected by the economic downturn. In 2008, the segment saw record orders with the enthusiasm generated by the air taxis and new small planes launched. This resulted in inflated sales figures, which were not sustainable. I am hopeful that business aviation industry is poised for recovery in next few years that will coincide with the entry into service of several of GE’s new engines, like the GE Honda Aero Engine’s HF120 on the HondaJet and GE’s Passport on the Bombardier Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft.
Business Aviation Law Blog: China has emerged as both a leader in the business aviation industry and as a significant potential customer. What is the market outlook in China and how has GE positioned itself to take advantage?
Mottier: GE considers China to be a growth region for all segments of aviation with the increasing number of airports in China and the sheer number of potential passengers living in the country. We are actively talking to potential customers in China and look forward to expanding our business into this region.
Business Aviation Law Blog: I know that GE's Business and General Aviation division had a booth at the 2012 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition ("EBACE") back in May in Geneva, Switzerland. Can you share some of your impressions of the convention that you think would be of interest to our readers?
Mottier: Air shows like EBACE as well as Farnborough, at which GE showcased the H80 engine for the first time at this major show, are a great chance to talk with our airframe customers as well as those that fly our planes. GE Aviation exhibits at many aerospace conventions around the world—but there is nothing better than attending a show where we get a chance to talk with our customers and hear straight from them what is working well with our engines and customer/product support. A few weeks ago, I was at Oshkosh where I met many customers and I get to see a lot of aviation innovation firsthand.
Business Aviation Law Blog: How did the GE Business and General Aviation division help support the 2012 Olympic Games in London?
Mottier: According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, business aircraft flights to southeast London were expected to increase by more than 3,000 during the summer's 2012 Olympics. To help support these customers who operate GE-powered aircraft, GE Aviation formed a strategic arrangement with Ocean Sky Jet Centre, a Luton fixed-base operator (FBO). Dedicated GE Aviation field service representation were on-site at Ocean Sky Jet Centre through the Olympics. GE's mobile repair team were available for any line maintenance needs. GE Aviation also strategically positioned new and exchange materials in the region for easy access.
Business Aviation Law Blog: Where can our readers obtain more information about GE's Business and General Aviation division?
Mottier: You can find more information about GE's BGA division at http://geaviation.com/bga or connect with us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/gebga.
Check back for the second part of our conversation with Brad Mottier. We discuss GE’s new engines and their environmental impact.
