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 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.