While a large, temporary exhibitor pavilion on the ramp just outside host FBO Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Centre’s (SHPBAC) hangar doors was a prominent feature during past ABACE shows, it will be scaled down for this year's show, because the location’s long-awaited second hangar will be operational. Like the FBO’s first hangar, it will house exhibitors during ABACE, which will be held April 17 to 19 at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport.

SHPBAC’s 4,500-sq-m (48,437-sq-ft) structure adds to the existing 4,000-sq-m (43,055-sq-ft) hangar, and includes more office space on three floors. To be completed just weeks ahead of the show, it will provide a strong impetus for growth at the FBO, according to SHPBAC general manager Carey Matthews.

“It will be a really positive force, because it more than doubles our access to do both maintenance and hangar parking here at Hongqiao,” he told AIN. “It allows us to get more aircraft from the community into Hongqiao, and it's a big vote of support for business aviation, by the airport and the Chinese government in supporting the growth of the community.”

The new hangar can accommodate up to seven large-cabin business jets. With the demolition of some old warehouses, and no need for such a large pavilion, ABACE organizers were able to consolidate the show space this year, moving the static display and manufacturer chalets farther north, closer to the FBO.