Business jets soar at aviation conference in Shanghai

More than 30 aircraft across the spectrum of business aircraft including pistons, intercontinental jets and helicopters, are being showcased in Shanghai during the annual three-day Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) starting from Tuesday.

In the past eight years, ABACE has developed along with China's business aviation into the Asia-Pacific region's largest international business aviation platform for business trades, collaboration and exchanges. The event has played an important role in promoting the healthy development of China and Asia's business aviation, said Lu Xun, chairman of the Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Center.

According to Lu, the number of China's general aviation operators has increased from 111 in 2010 to 422 operators by end of 2018, while general aviation aircraft increased significantly from 1,010 in 2010 to 3,229 in 2018. Meanwhile, general aviation airports certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) increased from 175 in 2010 to 229 by the end of 2017.

A stellar cast of more than 150 exhibitors are displaying their latest products, services and equipment at the event jointly held by the Shanghai Airport Authority (SAA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.

Bombardier's flagship business jet, the Global 7500 aircraft, is making its first public appearance in China at the ABACE, and this is also the aircraft's first presence at an air show since it entered service.

The Global 7500 aircraft has a range of 7,700 nautical miles (14,260 kilometers) and can connect the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong nonstop to the cities of New York, London or Milan.