Story ID: 290 Bolen.doc
NBAA Chief Bolen Highlights Growth of ABACE
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Attendance is expected up for this year’s event, while exhibitors and number of exhibitors from the Asia Pacific region on par with last year.
Word Count: 316
NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen has high hopes for this year’s ABACE, with nearly 40 aircraft on static display representing all aspects of general aviation, 185 exhibitors, and early registrations indicating another increase in attendance.

ABACE 2015 marks the fourth consecutive year the event has been held annually in its present form, here at the Shanghai Hawker Pacific facility, and the 10-year anniversary since its inception.

Bolen noted that the event has changed and grown over the years, reflecting the potential of the business aviation market in China and the role it can play in generating jobs, economic development and trade and commerce.

This year’s event is drawing attendees from more than 40 countries outside China, while 40 percent of exhibitors are from the Asia Pacific region. This reflects both the international nature of the show, while demonstrates that ABACE “is a truly Asian show,” Bolen said.

The number of exhibitors from the Asia Pacific region has nearly doubled since the event was rebooted in 2012. Overall, the number of exhibitors climbed 20 percent during this same period, while aircraft on static display has increased by 41 percent.

Lu Xun, vice general manager of Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Center, noted that the event “already has a good reputation in the industry,” but is helping to raise the visibility of the industry and make Shanghai an aviation capital.

Xun acknowledged the growth of the industry is maturing, but said the market is transforming to accommodate a stable growth rate. He cited the increased acceptance of pre-owned aircraft and improvement in facilities as factors that will help propel the market. The amount of business aviation traffic continues to grow, Xun said, and with China among the world’s largest economies, he said “The demand for business aviation is huge. The demand has yet to be fully realized.”