The 2017 edition of Asia’s flagship business aviation show was markedly subdued following an emphasis on “austerity” in China, but this year promises increased optimism. ABACE 2018, which will be held from April 17 to 19 at Shanghai’s Hongqiao International Airport, has so far notched more than 160 exhibitors with 30 or more aircraft expected to make up the static display. The show is “presented in partnership with Shanghai Airport Authority, and co-hosted by the National Business Aviation Association [NBAA] and the Asian Business Aviation Association [AsBAA],” according to the website.
With host facility Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Centre (SHPBASC) just completing its second large hangar, ABACE will have significantly expanded floor space, although the show still requires an outdoor temporary building as well. The number of chalets outside increases to 10 this year.
The static display will include a mix of business aircraft, with the Quest Kodiak making its ABACE debut along with the Bell 505 and Mahindra Aerospace Airvan 8. Aircraft will range in size up to a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ).
One of the key presentations will be a business aviation development forum, hosted by the Chinese CAAC, that will highlight the latest efforts in the government’s policy for business aviation. An Asia airport access panel will discuss trip planning for the region, changes at Hong Kong, and new general aviation airports in Asia. Also, a Future of Lift session will explore the potential for a helicopter renaissance in Asia due to capacity issues at Tier 1 airports for business aviation.
Among the VIPs due to take part in the Opening General Session at 0900, Tuesday, April 19 will be Cai Jun, deputy director general of the Shanghai Municipal Transport Commission, and Jiang Huaiyu, director general of the CAAC East China Regional Administration. The session will be hosted by NBAA president and CEO, Ed Bolen.
Also covered in sessions will be a market outlook, cybersecurity and connected aircraft, insurance and finance of aircraft and hangars, and MRO availability and costs in Asia versus taking the aircraft to the U.S. or Europe. There will be a foreign aircraft registries session, too, while on the final day the ABACE Careers in Business Aviation Program will be in full swing, incorporating AsBAA’s Student Chapter Day.