Bolen: Show 'Met All Of Our Estimates And Expectations'

The NBAA said Thursday that, by a host of measurements, the 2012 edition of the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2012) achieved the organizers' vision for the show as the largest and most successful business aviation event in Asia and a catalyst for the industry in China and the broader region.

"ABACE2012 met all of our estimates and expectations, as well as those for the Exhibitors and Attendees," said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of NBAA, which presented the event in partnership with the Shanghai Airport Authority, the Asian Business Aviation Association and the Shanghai Exhibition Centre.

A total of 156 Exhibitors filled the 4,000-square-meter hangar at the Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Centre, and the adjacent Exhibit Pavilion that was added to accommodate additional vendors. Bolen noted that all Exhibit space was sold out two months prior to the event. "One key indication of the success of ABACE is that nearly one-quarter of those Exhibitors were companies based in Asia," Bolen noted. "These companies understand that ABACE is a very effective venue for reaching their target market, and gaining visibility in the industry."

All of the major aircraft manufacturers were represented at the show, with 27 aircraft on Static Display just outside the Exhibit Hall on Hongqiao International Airport. Eight Exhibitor chalets offered an opportunity for representatives with the manufacturing companies to meet with customers in close proximity to their aircraft.

The event's eight educational sessions provided a wealth of information about what is needed to purchase, own, operate and maintain a business aircraft. The well-attended sessions took place throughout the show.

ABACE2012 was attended by high-level government officials from the U.S., China and elsewhere. Among the speakers at the show's two opening sessions were Xia Xinghua, Deputy Administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Yin Hong, Deputy Secretary of Shanghai Municipal Government, Nianzu Wu, Chairman of the Shanghai Airport Authority, Yukiyoshi Noguchi, principal Deputy Director of the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau, Tay Tiang Guan, Deputy Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Jing Yiming, Vice president of the Shanghai Airport Authority (SAA) and Chairman of Shanghai Hawker Pacific Aviation Ground Services, Ltd.,  and John Porcari, Deputy Administrator for the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"Like all NBAA events, ABACE is more than just a trade show – it is an advocacy platform for the business aviation community, providing an opportunity to educate policymakers about the industry’s importance to citizens, companies and communities," Bolen (pictured) said. "The support ABACE received from these important officials demonstrates their understanding of the value business aviation can provide to China and the broader Asian region. We look forward to working with these and other officials on efforts to promote a safe and efficient aviation system in Asia, and building on our partnership in the years ahead."
Bolen noted that ABACE2012 attracted attention from regional and international media organizations. Nearly 100 reporters attended a special press luncheon held before the official start of the event, including representatives from print and broadcast news outlets from across Asia and around the world. They reported on several new aircraft orders, partnership agreements and other significant developments, including key announcements made at 15 ABACE Exhibitor press conferences.

As the show drew to a close, Bolen reiterated that NBAA and the SAA have reached an agreement for the city to host ABACE through 2016. The 2013 edition of ABACE will take place April 16-18, 2013.

"It's clear that, in a variety of ways, ABACE2012 was an important milestone not only for business aviation, but for the city of Shanghai, for China and for the broader Asian region," Bolen concluded. "The high degree of interest and enthusiasm shown by Exhibitors, Attendees government officials, media representatives and others at ABACE2012 demonstrates the potential for this event, and for the business aviation community, in Asia in the years to come. We look forward to building on this year’s show with even greater success in 2013."

FMI: www.nbaa.org