ABACE is Preferred Venue to Introduce New Aircraft to Asian Markets
Feb. 2, 2018
When business aircraft manufacturers want to present their latest equipment to the Asia-Pacific region, their “go-to” event is the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2018), to be held April 17 to 19 at Shanghai’s Hongqiao International Airport.
“ABACE is the venue that aircraft manufacturers look to when making the first public appearance of their newest aircraft offerings to the China and Asian markets,” said Joe Hart, NBAA director, static displays. “While we do not anticipate any new models of aircraft to be unveiled at the show, we expect a few aircraft will have never been seen in China before.”
Approximately 35 aircraft are expected to be on static display at ABACE2018, he added.
Growth at the airport is driving the need for a second aircraft storage facility at Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Centre, where ABACE is held. “With construction of the second hangar well underway, we will need to adjust a few of the show elements,” Hart said. “We will finalize our adjustments in early February once the hangar is close to completion.”
Hart is working closely with aircraft operators, manufacturers, airport officials, local suppliers and general contractors to balance the needs of attendees with the overall logistics of the show. Much of that work in 2018 is focused on communications with the indoor exhibits team to create an efficient environment in and out of the outdoor static display, while providing safe aircraft operations throughout the show area.
Because of the expanded footprint for ABACE2018, Hart said that the show is a must-attend event for anyone looking to purchase a business aircraft or simply learn more about what the business aviation industry has to offer.
“It’s one of the only opportunities where customers in the Asian market can view the latest aircraft side-by-side and meet with the top sales representatives from each company” Hart said. “We will have aircraft servicing everything from the long-range needs of intercontinental business leaders to those with shorter mission objectives. We also anticipate participation from the helicopter OEMs with four to six helicopters on display.”