CAAC Business Aviation Development Forum to Take Place at ABACE2017

March 7, 2017

A new program at the 2017 Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2017) will examine methods for continued development and expansion of China’s aviation infrastructure.

Taking place Tuesday, April 11 on the opening day of ABACE2017, the CAAC Business Aviation Development Forum will be hosted by the Eastern Region of the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC), the Shanghai Airport Authority (SAA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

China’s 12th Five-Year Plan, issued in 2010, highlighted the need for investment in new facilities supporting general aviation operations, including business aviation; the most recent plan for 2016-2020 added to this effort the Chinese government’s support for improving access for business aviation to the nation’s airspace, which is controlled by the military.

“ABACE held its first Airports Conference in 2015, featuring airport officials from around the world to discuss ideas toward the development of a robust airport infrastructure supporting aviation’s contributions to the growth of the Chinese economy,” said Mike Nichols, NBAA vice president of operational excellence and professional development.

Noting that limited airport infrastructure historically has meant that business aircraft registered in China are used extensively for international flights, Nichols said the symposium will examine new opportunities to promote and encourage domestic operations.

“This is not just a session for business aviation attendees, but also for those outside the industry who wish to learn more about the possibilities offered by business aviation in their cities and communities,” he added.

Taking place April 11-13 at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, ABACE2017 is held in partnership with the SAA, and co-hosted by NBAA and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA).