NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen welcomed representatives of the local and international press today at ABACE 2017 and highlighted the rapid growth of the show since it moved to Shanghai in 2012. This year’s event features more than 170 exhibitors, 40 percent of which are Asian companies—“the highest number ever,” said Bolen. “This is truly an Asian exhibition and it brings the international aviation community to China.”

He also noted the more than 35 aircraft on display and the 10 chalets where major business aircraft manufacturers and service providers can meet with customers and potential clients. ABACE attendees have traveled from more than 40 countries to attend the Shanghai show, according to organizers.

Bolen was also happy to see diversity growing among the ABACE exhibitors. “We’re seeing the China market evolve,” he said, “and it’s expanding to various types of aircraft and operations.” This includes the Beijing Red Cross Emergency Medical Center air ambulance Falcon 2000LX on the static display, a representation of the public service capabilities of business aircraft.

Lu Xun, vice general manager of Hongqiao Airport FBO Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Center (SHPBASC), described ABACE as “an excellent platform linking the world with business aviation and general aviation.” He noted that the Chinese government’s 13th five-year plan includes, for the first time, specific guidelines for development of general aviation. And the government is working closely with private industry to help business and general aviation grow.

SHPBASC is collaborating with the Shanghai Airport Authority to expand its Hongqiao facilities to serve the business aviation market, and its new second-phase hangar and ramp project should be open for next year’s ABACE event. The company is also developing a study for a new business aviation center at Shanghai’s Pudong Airport.

Working with the Shanghai Airport Authority, SHPBASC hopes to help promote the expansion of Chinese business aviation services around the world. The authority understands the importance of business aviation and how it can help improve overall aviation efficiency. “With the support of the Shanghai Airport Authority, we will have a brighter future going forward,” Xun said.