For a number of years, the Asian region has proven to be one of the most dynamic and high-performing markets of the global business aviation industry. Companies and entrepreneurs across the region have learned that, much like a smartphone or tablet device, business aviation is an indispensable tool for increasing efficiency and productivity, while also providing a secure environment for companies to conduct important meetings and discussions while enroute to destinations.
In fact, a recent study conducted by NEXA Advisors LLC found that fully 98 percent of the top 50 among the “World’s Most Admired Companies” – a list of the global top companies by corporate reputation, compiled by Fortune magazine – utilize business aviation as a vital tool in maintaining productivity and global competitiveness.
Included on that list are such internationally renowned, Asia-Pacific-based companies as Samsung Electronics and Toyota. Furthermore, a full 88 percent of the top 50 companies in the Forbes magazine listing of the “Global 2000” utilize business aviation, including ICBC and other companies based in the Asia-Pacific region.
In recognition of the unlimited potential that business aviation represents to companies in the Asia-Pacific region, government leaders have also increasingly embraced policies and initiatives fostering the continued development of a robust aviation network in the Asia-Pacific.
For example, at the September 2013 meeting of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) transportation ministers, those in attendance agreed to a statement of principles in recognition of the benefits of fostering regional expansion of business aviation. The statement outlines specific tenants for, and benefits of, a regional framework to support the industry’s ongoing development.
Countries in the region are following suit as well, in particular through a variety of initiatives underway in China. For example, China’s government has pledged to reform the country’s airspace management system, and improve both the allocation and use of airspace resources, as part of its 12th Five-Year Plan for 2011-2015.
These and other important discussions towards growing business aviation across the Asia-Pacific region will continue throughout 2015 Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition. ABACE2015 will be held in Shanghai from April 14-16, 2015, in partnership between the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the Shanghai Airport Authority and co-hosted by NBAA, the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) and the Shanghai Exhibition Company.
In addition to highlighting the diverse missions and objectives of business aviation, and introducing new businesses to the advantages that business aviation can bring to their companies, ABACE2015 will also feature esteemed government officials from across the Asia-Pacific region, and around the globe, who will share their perspectives on issues relevant to the industry’s ongoing development. Attendees will also hear from international aviation officials, and have the opportunity to discuss regional operations with experts on the Asia region.
Established business aviation operators, as well as those considering their first purchase of a business aircraft, will also benefit from a wide range of informative Educational Sessions throughout the three-day event. For example, a session focusing on the deployment of Automatic Surveillance Dependent-Broadcast (ADS-B) systems will take place during the event’s second day, on Wednesday, April 15.
Experienced business aviation operators will also benefit from sessions devoted to taxation policies across Asia, as well as legal structures supporting business aviation in the region and avionics and equipment mandates. For those who are relatively new to the industry, ABACE2015 will also offer sessions addressing the purchase and financing of business aircraft, as well as discussions focused on operational safety and best practices in aircraft maintenance and support.
ABACE2015 will also feature a lineup of approximately 40 business airplanes and rotorcraft on display at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and organizers expect more than 170 displays and exhibits in the Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Centre.
ABACE2015 will continue to promote the value of business aviation for supporting the transportation needs of companies in all parts of the Asian region. NBAA, AsBAA, The Shanghai Airport Authority, and everyone involved with ABACE will look forward to seeing you in Shanghai next month.
