Potential Remains
Despite the slowness of the Chinese economy impacting the pace of growth of business aircraft sales, the show is still riding on optimism
THE ASIAN BUSINESS AVIATION Conference and Exhibition (ABACE) 2016 will get underway in Shanghai from April 12 to 14, even while there are murmurs of a severe economic recession. The business aviation industry is holding its chin up and looking forward to the event as only positive sentiments can keep the industry afloat at the moment. ABACE 2016 has attracted over 40 business jets, turboprops, helicopters and piston airplanes. With nearly 25 product and service categories across 180 plus exhibitors, the event is coming of age in the Asia-Pacific region, albeit the economic crisis looms large. Aircraft brokers and dealers; air charter services; aircraft management companies; airports; avionics companies; FBOs; flight planning services; fuel suppliers, ground transportation & support equipment; leasing & sales; maintenance and repair stations, etc, all have lined up their products and solutions for the three-day event. One of the hallmarks of ABACE is its ability to demonstrate the diverse
range of aircraft at the Hongqiao airport.
On the eve of the event, the Chairman of Asian Business Aviation Association (ASBAA), Charlie Mularksi, said that the event continue to grow year after and was going beyond the boundaries of China, into the Asian region. He said despite the market sentiments, the response to the event was encouraging and that 2016 ABACE had record number of entries. ASBAA, he said, was confident that business aviation in Asia and China would continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace. The markets here were evolving and it would take time to reach traction and ABACE, he said, has been working year after year to help nurture the growth by bringing the industry on a solid platform.
The Chairman said that continuing efforts were on to create awareness on the economic benefits of business aviation and most of these efforts were of voluntary nature. ASBAA, he said, was actively advocating for a better and friendlier regulatory environment such that the business aviation segment grew and facilitated further economic growth, as witnessed in US and European markets. The emphasis was on business aviation as a business tool, growing businesses beyond local markets, creating jobs and having greater economic impact. Besides, the business aviation industry would also highlight how it plays a pivotal role during the humanitarian crisis, moving people and cargo from locations not easily connected by other means of transportation. This year’s ABACE will have a medical evacuation aircraft on static display.
Charlie Mularski has categorically denied that there would be a change in venue. He said that the ABACE show management remains committed to Shanghai for ABACE at least through 2021. He said there would not be a change in the near term and in association with the Shanghai Airport Authority there would be innovation and improvisations in the way the show is conducted. The ability to host a show like ABACE at an airport, offering an extensive static display of aircraft mere steps from the main show venue and exhibit hall, offers an optimal attendee and exhibitor experience.
On the benefits of ABACE, he said that besides a chance to network with peers in the global aviation community, it offered knowledge, starting with the opening general session, featuring public officials who will discuss the importance of business aviation and the policy positions that help facilitate access to airports and airspace. Throughout the show, a diverse range of educational sessions will focus on safety and operational best practices, market updates, international operations, and helicopter operations. As the aviation industry was facing shortage of pilots, crew and other aviation related personnel, ASBAA helps connect the industry with the student community who are likely to get into the sector in the near future. ASBAA facilitates student-focused programming at ABACE to excite aviation and engineering students about the business aviation sector.
ABACE ATTRACTS 40 AIRCRAFT, 180 PLUS EXHIBITORS HONGQIAO WOULD STAY AS VENUE NETWORKING OF TALENT WITH INDUSTRY