Press Release

Issued by Asian Business Aviation Association.

April 10, 2017

AsBAA, Asia's non-profit representative trade body for business and general aviation today joined a press conference with its chairman, Charlie Mularski and NBAA leader, Mr. Ed Bolen ahead of ABACE17. Mr. Bolen thanked AsBAA for its contribution to the show which includes planning and delivery of the Education Sessions and the student careers day, AsBAA Discovery in which 230 students from eight universities in China will attend to learn and be inspired about business and general aviation.

During the press conference, NBAA shared statistics of the biggest ever ABACE which includes: over 170 exhibitors, 10 chalets, 35 aircraft and 10 chalets. Mr. Bolen said, “The show is becoming more diverse with market maturity and has now expanded to include piston, turbo props, intercontinental business jets, helicopter and air ambulance along with over 40% of the participating companies headquartered in Asia. The diversity we now see at ABACE underscores the growth of business and general aviation in Asia and puts China at the centre of the world's business aviation stage”.

Mr. Bolen also spoke of the key benefits of business and general aviation including: enabling advanced productivity, being a lifeline for communities, being a job creator and as a provider of humanitarian support. He also spoke directly to the industry of the merits of sharing knowledge, collaborating experiences and positivity in the region at this time.

Charlie Mularski said, “The industry is enjoying growth in Asia which is enabled by collaboration between Associations, non-profit organisations such as NBAA, GAMA, IBAC and AsBAA, governments and the media. We have seen a great deal of positive indicators from CAAC that the promotion of business and general aviation in China is core to the government's strategy over the next five years. As an industry, we will respond to this by ensuring we work together for win-win outcomes, we prioritise safety and standardise best practise in the region.”

AsBAA vice chairman, David Best said, “The benefits highlighted by Ed Bolen are experienced and promoted by AsBAA's members. We have enjoyed growth and investment in the region, connected communities and are creating jobs; we also have observed enormous generosity from our members in terms of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) in donations to Orbis. Our focus on advocacy, representation and building a relevant community for our members will continue to be key benefits of AsBAA in working for their members.