Responding to health concerns and other challenges around the coronavirus outbreak, the NBAA has cancelled this year’s Asian Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (ABACE). The event was to take place in Shanghai, China, on 16-18 April 2020. The next edition will now be held on 13-15 April 2021.
“ABACE has always been more than an industry tradeshow: it is a platform for building business aviation in China, throughout Asia and around the world,” said Ed Bolen, president and CEO of NBAA. “NBAA and the Shanghai Airport Authority (SAA) have an extraordinarily strong partnership, having worked closely together for nearly a decade, to build ABACE into one of the world’s truly great aviation events.
“Our organisations have always viewed participating exhibitors, attendees and government leaders as partners, and as with all NBAA events, their health, safety and security is always our highest priority.
“While the Chinese government is taking commendable steps to address the coronavirus outbreak, the current situation has presented a very challenging environment for decision-making and action for ABACE participants to fully prepare for the event. This necessary step is being taken in the spirit of partnership, collaboration and transparency.”
ABACE is held each year in partnership with the SAA, and co-hosted by NBAA and AsBAA. Since its launch in 2012, ABACE has become the premier business aviation event in Asia, attracting more than 9,000 attendees from 50 countries.
“We will focus on making ABACE 2021 the best edition yet, and continuing its critical role in promoting business aviation in China, across Asia and around the world,” said Bolen. “As we look to next year’s event, and those in the years to come, we look forward to building on our relationships with the SAA, our host FBO Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Centre and our peers with the Asian Business Aviation Association in producing ABACE, ensuring the show’s continued success for business aviation across the globe.”
