When ABACE 2017 kicks off this month, visitors will be keen to see which way sentiment in the Asian business aviation market has gone since the 2016 event. Having had a strong run with lots of bullishness about business aviation in China, this suddenly hit the buffers with the government’s austerity drive. The industry put on a brave face, but beneath the smiles was a sense of unease.
The 2016 event was surprisingly successful against this backdrop, and the organizers added more exhibition space and welcomed a more diverse set of aircraft in the static park than earlier events. In fact, with 160 exhibitors, it had the largest footprint in the show's history.
The event will once again be presented by NBAA in partnership with the Shanghai Airport Authority (SAA) and co-host the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA).
At last year's event, NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said, “ABACE 2016 has met or exceeded expectations in every imaginable way.” He noted the diversity of aircraft, from Learjet 60 to Dassault Falcon 8X, and to high-level leaders present at the opening session, including ICAO secretary general Fang Liu. He added that ABACE served as a venue to educate the public and government about the industry, as well as help new entrants learn more about how to build a successful business.
Bolen also noted last year that that likethe aircraft on display, the attendee mix had also become more diverse. “I see delegates not just from China, but also from the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and many other countries,” he said.
For this year's event, NBAA said that there would be “more than 100 exhibitors from across the globe” and that indications are, “the upcoming event will be at least as large and dynamic, and perhaps more so, as previous editions.”
“Our exhibitor commitments are considerably ahead of pace compared with last year’s ABACE, which marked the largest-ever show footprint for the event,” said Chris Strong, NBAA senior v-p of conventions and membership. “It is possible that we will sell out all available show space.”
Approximately 35 aircraft will be featured on this year’s static display, including a variety of piston-engine, turboprop and jet fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft. “We are actively working with business aviation stakeholders to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support this rapidly developing presence,” said Joe Hart, NBAA’s director of static displays and regional forums.
Speaking at last year’s opening session, CAAC party secretary and Eastern Regional Headquarters deputy director general Jiang Chunshui noted, “General aviation is an important pillar of civil aviation,” and assured delegates that development of the industry remains a priority for the Chinese government. The CAAC had added staff to accommodate the growth of the industry, and the government is working to reform the regulation of general aviation as the industry has experienced double-digit compound growth, he said.
Shanghai Airport Authority chairman Li Derun referred to work that would facilitate expansion of business aviation facilities at both airports in Shanghai. “The Shanghai Airport Authority will strive to improve our capacity, safeguarding the development of business aviation,” Li said.
The program schedule for the event includes sessions on afety culture, finance and airport access, maintaining values through proper maintenance and care, security best practices, legal disputes, Open Skies as it affects GA, Do’s and Don’ts of travelling to/from the U.S., the advantages of helicopters, and UAVs.
Thursday will be dedicated to Careers in Business Aviation.
