On its way to Shanghai, the Pilatus PC-12NG here on the ABACE static display stopped in Shangri-La (Tibet) for a demonstration of the airplane’s high-altitude capabilities. When the turboprop single took off from Shangri-La Diqing Airport–elevation of 3,288 meters (10,787 feet)–it had a payload of 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds). Included in this payload were six passengers (two from the CAAC), one Chinese navigator and the pilot. The aircraft reportedly needed only one third of the airport’s runway before lifting off the ground.
ABACE Convention News
April 15, 2013 - 4:35am
India has decided to reduce the advance-application requirements for foreign-registered aircraft to enter the country from seven to three business days for landing permits, and from three days to one business day for overflights. The move is a significant breakthrough for business aircraft operators, who have long complained that Indian bureaucracy has undermined the flexibility they seek to deliver.
April 15, 2013 - 4:25am
Bombardier Aerospace’s Safety Standdown Asia returned to Asia yesterday for a third time. It was held in conjunction with the ABACE show at the Shanghai Marriott Hotel Hongqiao. Free for participants, Safety Standdown Asia “provides pilots, aircrew and flight departments with insights into the factors that precipitate errors in judgment and highlights ways to mitigate them,” according to Bombardier (Chalet 380). The seminar combines both knowledge-based and skill-based training with a focus on human factors.
April 15, 2013 - 4:15am
Demand for charter flights in Asia has grown significantly from the first quarter of 2012 through the first quarter of 2013, according to online charter marketplace Avinode (Booth H308). The number of available aircraft in the Asia region has climbed nearly 50 percent during that time period. “This marks a significant upturn from the 5-percent growth recorded over the previous year,” the company said.
April 15, 2013 - 4:05am
Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Center (SHPBASC), host facility for ABACE 2012, chocked up an “Aviation First in China” when it received approval from the CAAC, China’s airworthiness authority, last month for maintenance on the Dassault Falcon 900 series, which includes the 900DX, 900LX and 900EX EASy models.
April 15, 2013 - 3:55am
Embraer announced yesterday at ABACE 2013 that it has taken an order for a Lineage 1000 large-cabin business jet for a customer in China. “We can’t reveal the customer’s name,” said Ernest Edwards, president of Embraer Executive Jets, “but I can tell you that we’re absolutely delighted to have this company honor us with the order.” The aircraft will be delivered in the first half of this year.
April 15, 2013 - 3:45am
Airbus Corporate Jets (Chalet 290), the VIP aircraft sales division of Airbus, sees big opportunities for executive transport in the China market and throughout the Asia Pacific region. Here at ABACE 2013 it is highlighting the big-cabin solutions it offers with its family of VIP airliners.
April 15, 2013 - 3:35am
Cessna Aircraft (Chalet 190) announced here at ABACE 2013 yesterday that sales are up 50 percent in China from 2011 through 2012, and up in Asia Pacific overall. Meanwhile, the company is making rapid progress with its efforts to operate in China through joint ventures formed with China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co. (CAIGA) in Shijiazhuang and Zhuhai. The joint venture with CAIGA involves building Cessna 208 Grand Caravan EXs (Shijiazhuang) and Cessna Citation XLS+ business jets (Zhuhai) for the Chinese market.
April 15, 2013 - 3:30am
Zurich-based Jet Aviation’s Hong Kong facility recently received approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to provide maintenance for Gulfstream’s new flagship, the ultra-long-range G650, the aviation service provider (Booth P1216) announced here at ABACE.
April 15, 2013 - 3:20am
Associated Air Center (AAC), StandardAero’s (Booth P716) large transport category VIP completions center, based in Dallas, Texas, has received approval as an authorized maintenance organization in China. The approval, granted by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), is for a Part 145 approved maintenance organization (AMO)–covering maintenance and modifications on Chinese-registered aircraft.
