Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport hosted the 11th Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (ABACE) from 12 to 14 April. This year’s event covered a larger area than any previous show and offered 165 exhibitors, some 40% of which were from Asia. The show also offered a static display of more than 30 aircraft.

The show featured a small number of orders but reflected the changing nature of the region’s corporate jet market. Co-hosts the NBAA and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) pointed to a more multi-dimensional market, particularly in China, with the focus changing from large cabin business jets to wide diversity of business aircraft including piston engine singles to intercontinental corporate jets and helicopters. They cited the number of airports that have been built throughout the country and the liberalisation of policies that provide access to the airspace. In fact, the general aviation market in China is growing at a rate of some 20% a year.

The event also emphasised educational sessions and a student outreach day on 14 April with some 200 university students sponsored to visit the show and learn about opportunities presented by business aviation. ABACE 2017 will take place from 11 to 13 April.