AsBAA to Bring Business Aviation to Asian Aerospace Show

Reed Exhibitions has partnered with Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) to launch a new event - Asian Business Aviation - as an addition to its Asian Aerospace Show, which is scheduled for September 8-10, 2009 in Hong Kong.

The new partnership will facilitate a networking platform and dedicated conference for the business aviation fraternity at the popular show which joins the world’s top buyers and service suppliers in the aviation industry with Asia.

Although a relatively new entity in Asia, and despite the world economic turndown, 2008 was a record year for the business aviation market, especially in Mainland China. Accurately predicted by industry experts, Asia’s aviation market has experienced substantial growth over the past ten years and continues on an upward trend.

Business aviation demand in China remains high with an increase in jet sales and charters throughout the region. No longer just projecting a positive corporate image, modern day jet transport is often seen as a ‘time maximizer’ demonstrating significant cumulative returns, flexibility benefits, and subsequently leading to improved overall corporate performance.

Tourism (primarily casino activity) attracts millions of visitors from China and Hong Kong to Macau each year. By 2006, gambling revenues from the casino boom had exceeded those from Las Vegas. Undoubtedly, this has become a key driver for the growth of jet operators such as Jet Asia. Some 80% of the new orders being placed for business jets are for private use.

A large number of aircraft management companies have set up bases in Asia and offer regular routes from their US. and EU bases. At most major airports, VIPs can enjoy specialized services including: customs expedition, immigration and quarantine (usually without leaving the aircraft) and ground transportation - all with increased security and anonymity.

Despite existing cultural differences and remaining bureaucratic complications, the gap between east and west is closing with improved airport infrastructure, enhanced routing and largely ‘good service’ throughout the region. Excessive import duty and VAT on the mainland currently remain challenges, but this is changing alongside the rapid growth and increased government awareness and interest in the industry.

Additional and gradual improvement in regional maintenance includes: FAA-approved MROs (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) through Metro Jet in Hong Kong, Jet Aviation in Singapore, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur and Beijing-based Ameco, an Air China, Lufthansa Airlines joint venture (1989) for larger aircraft maintenance, additionally offering training, logistics, engineering and tooling calibration for China’s aviation industry.

“Asian Business Aviation at Asian Aerospace 2009 is definitely the most important show of the year for AsBAA members. The show will provide an excellent networking platform for the business aviation community to exchange information and discuss the market's current challenges. The outlook for Asian business aviation continues to be promising. The region’s population, economic activity and the need for executive transportation to cover distances between key locations is tremendous, and I believe the event will help promote industry collaboration and provide a sales opportunity for your clients. We look forward to seeing all of you in Hong Kong this September.” said Chuck Woods, Chairman, Asian Business Aviation Association.

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