Press Release
Issued by Asian Business Aviation Association.
September 1, 2017
The fifth China International General Aviation Convention and Summit Forum was successfully held on August 24, 2017 in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. Mr. Qiang Xiao'an, vice-mayor of Xi'an City, during his opening speech set the encourage “aviation corporations to take full advantage of this conference to enhance cooperation, mutual benefit, and seek common development”. Mr. Rocky Zhang, chair of the mainland China regional committee of AsBAA, was invited to deliver a keynote speech on the development of business aviation in west China.
In front of over 600 attendees, Mr. Zhang shared data covering take-off and landing statistics and prospects for fixed base operators (FBOs) for corporate and business jets in east and west China. He indicated that corporations are encouraged to take part in the market for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of business and general aviation aircrafts in west China. He also presented a case study highlighting the business models of North American FBOs. He used cases from AsBAA member companies who have formed joint venture entities for the MRO and interior refit of domestic BA/GA aircraft, as well as the storage and transportation of aviation materials, to show the attendees of the opportunities within the industry. Through the case studies, Mr. Zhang advocated the sustainable development of business and general aviation in western China and expressed the commitment of AsBBA to building a platform to facilitate the communication between the government and corporations.
According to Mr. Zhang, “70% of business jet charters are serviced to corporate executives and entrepreneurs. These statistics support the notion that business aircraft are all about time saving, and if business people can conveniently travel to regional areas it can lead to potential investment and the creation of job opportunities for local economies. Additionally, short-distance business visiting and commuter services provided by mid-and-short range piston-engine and propeller-driven aircraft is highly applicable to the vast territory of west China.”
The Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) is a non-profit association, representing approximately 140 entities based in Asia, including greater China and south-east Asia, and around the world, with approximately 500 aircraft within its membership base excluding OEM fleets.
A representative from CAIB (China Aviation Hi-tech Industrial Base, Xi'an Yanliang), the organizer of the summit forum, said, “the presentation made by Mr. Zhang has generated high interest among the attendees, who have reached out to the conference organizer for his presentation materials and contact information.”
CIGAC (China International General Aviation Convention) co-hosted by the Government of Shaanxi Province, CCPIT, CAAC and AVIC is held every two years. CIGAC 2017, the fifth year, attracted more than 600 professionals from government, aviation authorities, industry professionals and universities to the summit forum. The forum encouraged in-depth discussion covering GA short-distance transportation, aviation hubs, emergency air-rescue operations, pilot zones of GA, air finance, drones and legislation for GA and GA airport construction.
