Ian Sheppard has acted as Editor International Show Editions for AIN since June 2013. Based in the Redhill, England, Ian reports for the various AIN publications as well as providing support to International Editor Charles Alcock in covering international air shows (such as Farnborough, Paris, Singapore and Dubai), and the EBACE and MEBA business aviation events. His central role is to cover Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Prior to becoming more involved with AIN in mid-2011 (initially as deputy international editor), Ian worked for various aviation publications through his company, First Aerospace Media. This included being part of the AIN team covering daily news at international air shows.
Ian has worked for publications such as Flight International (technical reporter, 1997-8) and Aerospace International (editor, 1999-2000). He was publications manager at Airclaims (Ascend) between 2000 and 2004 before forming First Aerospace Media. Since mid-2009 Ian has also been managing editor of Regional International, the journal of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA).
Ian hasis working towards a European commercial pilot licence, having held an FAA private pilot license in 1991, and instructor rating. He also has a degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Bath, England, and a graduate diploma in law from Kingston University, and is a graduate of the legal practice course (College of Law, Guildford).

Editor

Ian Sheppard

The annual Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (ABACE) opens next week in Shanghai, China, with attendees hoping to find an industry that is regaining confidence and about to see significant growth in coming years.


Scheduled for April 11 to 13, the event is co-hosted by the NBAA and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) in partnership with Shanghai Airport Authority (SAA). As has been the case for the past five years, the Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Centre at Shanghai’s Hongqiao Airport will be the venue.


The organizers reported that the number of registered exhibitors is nearly 5 percent more than at the same point in 2016, “demonstrating the growing value of this event in the AsiaPacific region.”


“We’re happy to see the number of exhibitors increase to almost 170 exhibitors committed so far for this year,” said Linda Peters, NBAA vice president of exhibits. “It proves the show has staying power and is valuable for both exhibitors and attendees as the preeminent business aviation event in Asia.” Some 35 aircraft are expected on the static display.


One new feature this year will be a program to examine methods for expansion of China’s aviation infrastructure. The CAAC Business Aviation Development Forum (BADF) on April 11 will be hosted by the Eastern Region of the Civil Aviation Authority of China, the Shanghai Airport Authority and NBAA. “This is not just a session for business aviation attendees, but also for those outside the industry who wish to learn more about the possibilities offered by business aviation,” said Mike Nichols, NBAA vice president of operational excellence and professional development.


The program schedule will kick&nbsp;off with the Opening General Session, featuring Stephen Creamer, director of ICAO’s Air Navigation Bureau, and U.S. consul general Hanscom Smith.


This will be followed by forums on safety, finance and a session on “Accessing Airports Across Asia.” Day 2 (April 12) will see a series of further seminars ranging from “Maintaining Aircraft Value” to security, open skies, helicopters and UAVs.


Finally, Thursday will feature the Careers in Business Aviation program. AsBAA’s Student Chapter is organizing the day with senior industry leaders discussing career paths and opportunities for graduates.

Spotlight Falls on Asia with ABACE Show

Event in Shanghai will allow industry to gauge state of Chinese business aviation market and see country’s commitment to it.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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