Press Release

Issued by Asian Business Aviation Association.

November 8, 2016

AsBAA, the Asian General and Business Aviation Association, the region's non-for-profit representative trade body for business aviation, hosted VIPs, media and 300 guests from the business aviation industry for its annual industry awards, the Icons of Aviation, Asia. The charity gala dinner was held in the silver box ballroom at the Hotel Icon, Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong and raised over USD50,000 for AsBAA's charity of choice, Orbis, the Flying Eye Hospital.

AsBAA kicked off the evening with a light-hearted line-up of Star Wars themed entertainment which included: a storm troopers dance from students of the Future Stars Dance Academy (owned by Melissa Thornton), a keynote speech from Orbis, and a Year in Review round-up from AsBAA's chairman, Charlie Mularski. In his speech, he thanked the attending VIPs, sponsors, and called on the industry to take an active role in driving change to address the challenges business aviation faces as an evolving industry. He went on to highlight the achievements of last year, before leading into a video message from NBAA National Business Aviation Association USA president, Mr. Ed Bolen.

Orbis' communication manager, Ms. Celia Yeung delivered a heart-warming keynote in which she shared her personal experience of working at the charity where she has witnessed its life-changing work in some of the most disadvantaged communities in the region. Givergy, who managed the silent auction and live pledge on behalf of AsBAA reported that over USD50,000 was raised for AsBAA's charity. “Orbis is proud to be a partner and the charity of choice of AsBAA for the second year,” said Celia Yeung, communications manager of Orbis Flying Eye Hospital. “AsBAA is not only dedicated to promote and advocate for the benefits of business aviation in Asia, but also giving back to the community by supporting our Flying Eye Hospital to fight avoidable blindness together around the world.”

During the live pledge, the business aviation community came together in astounding generosity to raise funds for Orbis’ work in the region. In an exciting highlight of the evening, AsBAA Platinum member, Geoffrey Cassidy of Zetta Jet Singapore pledged to match all the funds raised during the live pledge, doubling the total figure donated to Orbis. AsBAA chairman, Charlie Mularski said, “We are so grateful to see such big-heartedness on the evening from stakeholders of our wonderful industry. Zetta Jet’s unprecedented and astounding generosity will make a massive difference to the people that Orbis helps around the region. On behalf of AsBAA, we wish to extend a very special thank you to Zetta Jet, and of course everyone else that contributed on the evening”.

Winners were announced across 13 categories of the business and general aviation industry as follows:

1. Best Manufacturer: Gulfstream

2. Best Management Company/Operator: TAG Aviation Asia Ltd

3. Best Business Support Services: Credit Suisse

4. Best Operational Support Services: Universal Weather & Aviation Trip Support

5. Best Ground Handling Agent: Universal Aviation Ground Support

6. Best Maintenance Repair Organisation: Bombardier

7. Best Charter Brokerage: Asia Jet

8. Best Aircraft Brokerage: Jetcraft Asia

9. Best Charter Operator: VistaJet International Ltd

10. Best Media: Asian Sky Group

11. Best FBO: HKBAC (Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre)

12. Woman of the Year: Madonna Fung, HKBAC

12.Mike Davis (Lifetime achievement award) : Mr. Chang Qiu Sheng, BAA Management.