Asian Business Aviation Association signs strategic agreement with AVIC Foundation to promote business and general aviation in China | Press Release

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Press Release

Issued by Asian Business Aviation Association.

April 13, 2017

Asian Business Aviation Association signs strategic agreement with AVIC Foundation to promote business and general aviation in China

AsBAA, Asia's non-profit representative trade body for business and general aviation has today signed a strategic agreement with AVIC Foundation to promote and advocate business (BA) and general aviation (GA) in China. AVIC Foundation, part of AVIC General, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (AVIC General) is a large state-owned general aviation established to further contribute to the development of general aviation in China.

The agreement was signed at the AsBAA Discovery, student careers day at ABACE17, Asia's biggest business and general aviation convention, co-hosted by AsBAA and NBAA for the third consecutive year. The agreement commences immediately, witnessed by Mr.Changan Sha, vice president of AVIC General and Mr. Ed Bolen, CEO of NBAA, it will be valid for four years and seeks to deepen relations between government, education institutions and industry through engaging events and initiative based forums across China.

AsBAA chairman, Charlie Mularski shared, “China represents an enormous growth market for business and general aviation, however attracting and retaining talent, continuous education, public relations and suitable regulation remain key factors. AsBAA has been encouraged to see significant progress in terms of cooperation between our association, CAAC and other governmental and non-governmental departments. This is pushing forward the industry across China; helping to overcome some of the challenges of recent years and connect communities, drive economies and create new opportunities. AsBAA is honoured to now build on this foundational progress with today's exciting announcement of its strategic partnership with AVIC. We believe this marks the start of a significant public private partnership (PPP) in the advocation of our industries' further development for all key stakeholders, which of course includes the nextgen of aviators in China.”

SUN Huilan, general secretary of AVIC Foundation shared, “AVIC Foundation was founded on a principle of advocating a general aviation culture at a young age so that dreams of flying and working in aviation can be realised. We have seen over 230 students here today inspired by the leaders of our industry at AsBAA Discovery and this strategy and spirit aligns very well with AVIC Foundation's own mission to inspire, advocate and educate pupils, students, the media and public authorities so that our industry can realise its full potential in China”.

AsBAA Discovery took centre stage for the final day of ABACE17 with over 230 students interested in pursuing aviation careers, including those attending Shanghai Civil Aviation College (SCAC) in attendance. Senior leaders from AsBAA's membership base gave inspiring presentations about pathways into BA/GA and opportunities for graduates seeking future employment. Hot topics of the day included cool aviation special mission products and latest technologies, innovations, trends and disruptors.