Travolta helps Bombardier pitch Challenger 650 (video)

Actor and pilot John Travolta made an appearance Wednesday at the National Business Aviation Association’s static display at the Orange County Executive Airport.

Travolta, who owns a Challenger, was there to promote Bombardier Aerospace’s new Challenger 650. Bombardier has a mock-up of the plane there.

“I had the privilege to be part of the team that helped develop this aircraft here,” Travolta told those who gathered to hear him speak. “I can’t wait for you to see it. I think it reflects everything that an airplane should be today. … The seats are bigger, the galley is better suited for servicing passengers.”

The cockpit in the mock-up is not available today. But it’s similar to that of the Challenger 350, Travolta said.

“The engines have more thrust. The performance is better,” said Travolta, an avid aviator. “Well, just take a look.”

He then posed for photos.

Bombardier has a unique way to feel the experience of its new 650 business jet.

A large room provides a sensory experience of being inside the plane.

New leather smells are filtered into the room, and a gentle, continuous vibration is underfoot – replicating being in the air.

Inside the room, a number of videos about the plane are shown and a round rotating map of the world shows the distances between cities the plane can fly.

Wichita hospitality

A reception given by the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition was well attended by exhibitors and attendees of the show.

There, Dave Franson, president of the Wichita Aero Club, announced this year’s winner of its annual trophy for contributions to the aviation industry.

Al Higdon, the retired co-founder of Sullivan Higdon & Sink, was the award’s recipient. He will be honored at a gala in January.

Before forming his own firm, Higdon was with Learjet, where he helped make the jet a household name, Franson said.

With Sullivan Higdon & Sink, Higdon has walked the halls of NBAA many times.

“He’s made a tremendous contribution to this industry,” Franson said.

This story was originally published October 22, 2014 at 6:13 PM with the headline "Travolta helps Bombardier pitch Challenger 650 (video)."