Press Release

Issued by NBAA.

March 2, 2015

ABACE, founded by the US based National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has grown to become a truly Asian Pacific show, with a growing numbers of local exhibitors. “The annual ABACE event has become a strategic highlight in the Asian business aviation calendar, and one that creates opportunities for networking and discussing key issues”, shared Kevin Wu, chairman, AsBAA. “Beyond creating an exhibition for manufacturers to show off their latest designs and models, ABACE is recognised as a platform for open dialogue with its fellow peers and the industry media. It's a moment in time barometer on how our industry is doing, stimulating discussions about the goals, the hurdles we continue to face but most importantly the benefits of business aviation among business associations. It is a further opportunity to educate the market and its stakeholders which will ultimately drives further public and private investment into our industry in Asia. An event like ABACE creates significant and positive sentiment as well as driving change, which is why it's such a vital show for AsBAA to be involved in, and we're proud to be ramping up our presence and involvement for 2015 in support of our members.”

New for 2015, AsBAA will have its own stand located at P533 which is next to the NBAA and IBAC booths. Kevin Wu shared, “ABACE is a really important time for us to connect with our members and wider stakeholder groups. Our goal is to update all our member base face to face as much as possible over the course of these three to four days, in order to update them on our latest objectives, raise awareness of what we have been doing these past 12 months, but more importantly what we have planned for the coming 12 months ahead. This is why we need YOU! to participate and attend. Overall, I believe our existing members, potential members, and those that have watched AsBAA grow with interest will be pleasantly surprised by the increased activity, passion and drive we now have as an association in striving to be better and offering a true value-add for our members.”

Immediately prior to #ABACE15, AsBAA will hold its annual AGM (Annual General Meeting) on Monday 13th April 2015 at the Hongqiao Hilton Hotel, Shanghai. This year's meeting is also the point at which the executive committee will stand down for the two year election process to take place for the new AsBAA executive committee to be elected. We therefore hope all of our entire existing membership will be in attendance. “As a member of the board of governors, I will be picking up the microphone to be master of ceremonies for the day; so I hope to guarantee both an informative and entertaining speech/presentation on AsBAA's latest activities, its achievements, the new rotating chairman initiative, and of course our commitments, goals and objectives for the year ahead.” shared Mike Walsh, board of governor, AsBAA. The association has also invited fellow IBAC member associations in the region namely: BAOA (India), ABAA (Australia) and JBAA (Japan) to attend a luncheon together with AsBAA, NBAA, IBAC and GAMA. Mike went on to say, “The working lunch immediately after the AGM will form an opportunity to discuss the hot topics and challenges our members face, as well as prioritising the key issues we will address within ASEAN/APEC aviation working groups and with the local airports and DCA's (directors of civil aviation) in the coming 12 months.”

AsBAA, as an associated organisation of NBAA and IBAC plays a key role in contributing to the development strategy and delivery of ABACE. As part of its commitment to its members, AsBAA works closely with the organisers and the show's committee at ABACE to help create an outstanding catalogue of events on the agenda. “At the core of our function at AsBAA is a commitment to creating a communication platform for our members, and of course for the regional industry to support its continued growth. At AsBAA, the board of governors and its executive committee work closely with the organisers of ABACE to ensure that the issues that really matter to our members not only get plenty of “airtime” in the media but also that we reach the ears and desks of the highest authorities in the land”, said Vivienne Bourke, regional director, AsBAA.

The educational day at ABACE on the Thursday 16th April 2015 traditionally has grown to become one of the key highlights of AsBAA chairman's agenda and this year is no different with further initiatives to engage and encourage with grassroots interaction and understanding. AsBAA works closely with NBAA, IBAC and GAMA to influence and participate in the events' series of educational sessions and forums, which are held to the side of the static display and networking booths. The majority of sessions are free of charge to AsBAA members and includes the annual student's day.

ABACE is also an important opportunity for the industry to showcase its activities to the international and national media. Typically, national and regional media outlets are all invited to attend this economically important show for the APAC region, and report back on their findings. Beyond this being an opportunity to learn about latest trends, new innovative products and hot topics, the media can also connect with the industry leaders and the politicians that are making a real difference to the industry and associated markets.

Charles Mularski vice chairman, added “We're excited to be making more of an impact at ABACE this year; we understand that by raising the brand awareness of the association, we also increase our voice and therefore our influence. It's the power of numbers, and as we grow our membership base and its quality, so we can create greater change and value for our members.” Charles went on to say, “We see ABACE as an outstanding opportunity to communicate with our members and targets. We're committed to providing multiple opportunities to connect with the association and put 100% of our available resources over that week, the majority of AsBAA's board of directors will be on-hand to chat with you. We will also be co-sponsoring a networking cocktail party on the Tuesday evening, not to be missed.”

ABACE has been based in Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, China since 2010, where its organisers work closely with Shanghai municipal government and the airport authority to ensure its continued support year on year.
The event has now successfully grown to such an extent that it holds firm industry recognition alongside other calendar highlights, such as EBACE, held in Geneva, and NBAA, held in the US. The Asian star of the circuit is now widely regarded as the most significant event in the region, and certainly the place to attend and be seen and network. Though historically the event has appeared to cater primarily to its largest market, China, in recent years it has grown to be more representative of the region as a whole, with a geographically diverse range of participants testament to ABACE's status as a fully inclusive, Asian show.

Ty Dubay, board of governor AsBAA, concluded by making this statement to his fellow industry colleagues, existing and prospective members of AsBAA alike, “We welcome all of our existing members to come and attend the AsBAA AGM on the Monday. Also for all my industry colleagues to come by and visit our ABACE booth no: P533. Please feel free to stop any of the board of directors or executive committee folk you recognise to ask anything you like, we welcome your input and value your feedback! We will be holding many exciting events over the coming year, including one right here at ABACE to join AsBAA. Your regional business aviation association needs you!”.