China leads business aviation growth as leading industry experts take centre stage at Asian Business Aviation | Press Release

See more information from the Business Air News Handbook

Press Release

Issued by .

February 23, 2011

China leads business aviation growth as leading industry experts take centre stage at Asian Business Aviation

Asia is the most dynamic and fastest growing region in the world and one of the fastest developing markets for business aviation. With a huge appetite for new aircraft, now entering the region at a rapid rate, Reed Exhibitions, the organizer of Asian Aerospace Expo and Congress is delighted to be repeating its popular Asian Business Aviation event in Hong Kong during March 9-10, 2011. Asian Business Aviation – an integral part of Asian Aerospace, will also include a stronger than ever static display and indoor exhibition.

The two-day conference, "Business aircraft in Asia – a buyer's guide" sponsored by Jet Support Services, Inc (JSSI), will feature some of the aerospace industry's top global and regional experts, including executives from Airbus, Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault Falcon Jet, Embraer, Gulfstream, Hawker Beechcraft Corp, JSSI, Merrill Lynch, TAG Asia, Jet Aviation, Hawker Pacific, The ASA Group, Signature Flight Support and Flight Safety International, plus GAMA Vice President Ed Smith.

They will discuss the key issues concerning winning and operating a business aircraft in the region, plus give an update on how rules are beginning to relax in China.

The first day's programme will start with a discussion on leasing, financing and protecting the value of an asset. Different options for aircraft purchase will be examined including fractional and pre-owned alternatives, with a discussion on insurance requirements. The morning session will debate regional infrastructure issues, including where to go for MRO, FBO's, hangarage and airport options. Afternoon sessions will include discussions on regulatory issues for operators, including airspace access and fees. The day will conclude with a review of business aviation development in the region from an OEM's perspective.

Day two of the programme will begin with an opening speech from a representative from the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre. Morning discussions will examine staffing issues such as accessing qualified talent, training and licensing. Best practices in maintenance and parts distribution will be addressed next, followed by how to fulfil client expectations from an aircraft management perspective. Afternoon sessions will cover safety and security considerations followed by the closing session on the role of member organisations in promoting business aviation in the region.

Moderated by Chuck Woods, Chairman of Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) and President, JSSI Asia-Pacific and Jason Liao, CEO of China Business Aviation Group, the panel of experts will include the following:

· Amy He, Minsheng Leasing

· David Taylor, Bank of America

· Lou Seno, JSSI

· Peter Coles, Barlow Lude and Gilbert

· Helena Lang, Hawker Pacific Shanghai

· Sebastian Groeger, Jet Aviation

· Chris Buccholz, Universal Weather and Aviation

· Joe Wilson, ASA Group

· Jolie Howard, TAG Asia HK

· David Yuen, Flight Safety International

· George Kieros, JSSI

· Mike Walsh, AsiaJet

· Bjorn Naf, Metrojet

· Shuan Huang, Taiwan Business Aviation Association

Record number of business aircraft on display

The large static aircraft display at the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre (HKBAC) will feature a record number of business jets, with both Bombardier and Gulfstream bringing a range of aircraft. Airbus will display an A318 Elite and Boeing a BBJ; Cessna will exhibit a Citation Sovereign & Citation X, Dassault will showcase the Falcon 2000LX & 7X, Embraer will display the Legacy 650 and Hawker Beechcraft the 4000 & 900XP. Smaller business aircraft on show include the Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350i and Pilatus PC-12. Entry into the static display area at HKBAC will require presentation of a passport or identity card.

"Asian Business Aviation 2011, following the popularity of our 2009 event and ABA in Macau, is set to be an outstanding success, with an informative conference affording terrific networking opportunities making it the must attend business aviation event in Asia." said Brian Thomas, VP Aerospace, Reed Exhibitions Hong Kong. "Recent news that China has decided to remove many restrictions on the use of low level airspace is set to give a further boost to an already dynamic market for business aircraft."

Strong opportunities in the dynamic Asian market are already being realized. Hong Kong based BAA Asia alone is set to take delivery of 10 new jets this year. In the People's Republic of China there are more than 100 China-registered business jets with some 50 orders from Beijing's MinSheng Financial Leasing Company coming this year. There is growing activity in Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia and the Philippines. The Chinese Government is opening up its lower airspace to allow the industry to operate freely and AOPA China, which currently has only double figures of members, believes that within just one years it could increase membership to 10,000.