Asia and the Middle East are widely regarded as the world’s next big markets for business aircraft. After years of unfulfilled expectations, both regions are achieving impressive growth in terms of locally based fleets and overall flying activity.

The next few weeks will see a flurry of activity, with no fewer than four special events scheduled to focus attention on these key emerging markets. First, Dubai will host the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) conference and exhibition (January 31 and February 1). Then the action skips to Hong Kong, which will stage the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) on February 6 and 7. ABACE is organized by NBAA, which on February 9 will hold one of its regional forums in Nagoya, Japan. Finally, from February 7 to 11, the Aero India show will be held in Bangalore–doubtless reflecting the extraordinary pace of aviation growth India is now achieving.

Next month’s edition of AIN will feature full reports from the MEBA and ABACE shows, as well as the Nagoya forum. In anticipation of these events, Charles Alcock reports on the state of business aviation in the Middle East, while David Lombardo considers the wider Asian market and Meredith Saini focuses more specifically on India.

'Business aviation's next big markets' PDF