Region VII: Middle East / Asia
Regional Leads
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- Region VII (MID) Lead: Patrick C. Dunn, Hewlett-Packard Co.
Helicopters Prominent in China’s Acceptance of General Aviation
May 17, 2012
In the United States, the use of helicopters for medical cases is hardly newsworthy. But in China, the recent use of a helicopter to transport an infant for life-saving medical care was a milestone in recent efforts to introduce the routine use of civilian aircraft. "The fact they're going to establish emergency medical service operations clearly indicates the Chinese recognize the value of helicopters and their abilities to serve all aspects of society," said Matt Zuccaro, president and CEO of Helicopter Association International (HAI). Read more about efforts in China to make helicopters mainstream.
India, a Promising Asian Market for Business Aviation
April 25, 2012
An emerging economy with a government just starting to address the needs of the business aviation, India is one of the most promising new markets for the industry. Business aviation in India is experiencing rapid growth, according to Bombardier, which predicts delivery of 1,330 business jets to India over the next 20 years. However, India still has a limited general aviation infrastructure, and a limited regulatory framework to support the industry. Read more about the opportunities and challenges in India.
With Mideast Tensions Rising, Time to Review Flight Security Procedures
March 12, 2012
With Iran's nuclear program advancing and Israel asserting its right to defend itself by preventing the Islamic Republic from building a nuclear weapon, tensions seem to reaching a fever pitch in the Mideast. "If your mission takes you to any country in the Mideast, or requires flying through Mideast airspace, now is the right time to review your flight security procedures," said Doug Carr, NBAA VP of safety, security & regulation. NBAA's Security Council and the NBAA Management Guide both detail recommended procedures for an aviation security program, such as placing security tape over aircraft panels and doors when parking overnight and only hiring pre-vetted guards at foreign airports. Learn more about international flight security best practices.
ABACE2012 Will Be a Catalyst for Business Aviation in Asia
March 12, 2012
The gathering of business aviation interests from the U.S. and around the world at Shanghai's Hongqiao International Airport for the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2012) later this month will mark an important milestone in the development of not only commerce, but industry advocacy efforts as well. "With ABACE, we do expect that because of the way it's structured and the people who are coming, the education sessions and the panels, this is going to lead to a much greater understanding of the issues at hand [for business aviation]," predicted Roger Whyte, NBAA's consultant on China. Learn more.
Podcast: Unlocking Opportunities in China, the Industry's New Frontier
December 12, 2011
Perhaps by now you have heard talk of China as aviation's next frontier – a land of opportunity for manufacturers, flight operators and investors alike. Maybe you have even considered a move into this emerging marketplace but were not sure of the timing. "It's absolutely now," reported Jason Liao, NBAA's chief representative in Asia. "Right now, China needs everything. It needs pilots, skilled aviation personnel, mechanics, designers, researchers, production specialists. If you are in the general aviation industry, you'd better come here and start looking at the opportunities in China." Hear an interview with Liao and read more.
ABACE2012 Site Is First OEM-Authorized Service Center in China
November 21, 2011
Shanghai Hawker Pacific, the host site for the 2012 Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2012), was awarded its Part 145 certificate by General Administration of Civil Aviation of China on November 8. The facility is 51 percent held by the Shanghai Airport Authority, with the balance controlled by Hawker Pacific, and has the capacity to handle more than 40 business aircraft a year. The facility will initially offer maintenance services for the Hawker 4000, with follow-on maintenance for the Dassault Falcon 7X to be added soon. Learn more.
Russia Improves Process for Issuance of Overflight and Landing Permission
November 7, 2011
Effective November 17, changes to the Federal Rules for Use of Airspace in Russia will change how operators obtain overflight and landing permissions. Under the new rules, permissions for international flights will be based on filed flight plans and subject to the international agreements of the Russian Federation. If a flight plan is accepted within two hours of a flight, permission is deemed to be granted for the flight. The changes also clarify that non-commercial flights do not require international traffic rights to operate within Russia. Authorities will continue to use random ramp checks to ensure that operators are in compliance with applicable regulations. NBAA thanks the Russian Business Aviation Association and Leonid Koshelev for their leadership on this issue. Learn more.Recent Conference Highlights Potential for General Aviation in China
October 27, 2011
Two weeks ago at the International General Aviation Convention (IGAC) in Xi'an, China, 35 contracts worth 9.6 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) for general aviation (GA) aircraft and investments were signed. Amidst that positive news, speaker after speaker predicted a strong future for GA in China. Jane Zhang, whose company Silk Wings Aviation is a leading GA aircraft manufacturer's representative in China and provides a wide range of consulting services, said that along with business aircraft manufacture and sales, airport construction will be a significant opportunity, since China now has only about 300 public-use airports compared to more than 5,000 in the U.S. Learn more.China's First-Ever GA Fly-In Postponed
Septeber 2, 2011
The AOPA-China Fly-In, planned as a first-of-its-kind event in China, was scheduled for September 22-24. But, last month, an Agusta-Westland AW139 helicopter operated by the Beijing Police Department crashed into the MiYun Reservoir northeast of the Chinese capital. Four of the five people on board were killed. "Amid the impact of the police helicopter crash, AOPA China and its partner of the event, Reignwood Star General Aviation, decided to postpone this year's Fly –In," AOPA-China board member Yinjie Jason Zhang said in a statement to NBAA. Learn more.China Hosts Its First General Aviation Fly-In
August 22, 2011
Raising awareness about general aviation and promoting an interest in flying are the twin goals of a first-ever fly-in being hosted in Beijing next month by representatives with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association in China. The fly-in is part of a larger summit focusing on challenges confronting general aviation in China. "Because of the rigid restrictions of the airspace, in China there is not that much of an aviation culture," Liao said from his office in Beijing. "Aviation is something far away from people's daily lives. I think this fly-in will spur lots of interest." Learn more.China Opens More Airspace for General Aviation
August 15, 2011
More airspace is opening for general aviation (GA) flights in China, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and non-government sources in the country. "It is a big step forward for all GA interests," said Jason Liao, NBAA's Chief Representative in Asia. "It almost certainly means China will become the second-largest market in the world [after the U.S.] for GA aircraft like helicopters and turboprops." Learn more.New U.S.-India Aviation Agreement Could Unleash Regional Potential
August 1, 2011
India, with the world's second-largest population, holds much promise for aviation. Even in the midst of a struggling global economy, its gross domestic product is expected to climb 8.2 percent this year – on top of last year's 9.7 percent growth rate. Still, India has no infrastructure for business aviation. That's why a new Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement, establishing an official relationship between the two countries on matters of aviation technology and development, is so important. "This allows us to market our technology in the U.S., and for American companies to market their technologies in India," said Arjun Singh, director of India's Aviation Cooperation Program. Learn more.Business Aviation in India: Patience Required, But Opportunity Abounds
June 10, 2011
With its large population, vibrant economy and entrepreneurial business culture, India in some ways offers great promise for business aviation. However, the current environment includes a host of operational regulations, a complex bureaucracy involved in flying, onerous import duties and currency outflow restrictions and a complicated aircraft purchasing process. "The encouraging thing is that despite all of the difficulties of buying and then operating an aircraft in India, people are buying them," reports Trevor Esling, vice president of international sales of Cessna Aircraft Company. Learn more.
China’s General Aviation Growth Follows Its Economy
May 2, 2011
Since the Chinese government opened up much of its airspace to civilians a few years ago, the general aviation (GA) industry in China has been growing aggressively. International airframe manufacturers like Cessna, Boeing, Eurocopter, Groen Brothers and Diamond have recently built or planned production facilities in China to meet the growing demand. “No longer can China be called ‘the sleeping dragon’ where GA is concerned,” said Jason Liao, NBAA’s chief representative in Asia. “Recent relaxation of airspace restrictions by the Chinese government and the booming economy are having a decidedly positive effect on GA, particularly business aviation in China.” Learn more.
Studies Point to Business Aviation Potential in India
April 25, 2011
Two recent reports point to remarkable growth in business aviation in India. "The growth opportunity for private jet manufacturers to deliver their products into India is tremendous," says Justin Firestone, who produced one of the reports. "As the world's largest democracy, the second-most populous country, and one of the fastest-growing major economies, India is clearly embracing the need for safe and efficient business jet travel." Learn more.
