Region VII: Middle East / Asia
Regional Leads
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- Region VII (MID) Lead: Patrick C. Dunn, Asia Corporate Jet Singapore
Flight Clearance Procedures Easing in India
May 2, 2013
Long lead times required for both landings and overflights in India have made business aviation difficult in that country, but that appears to be changing, thanks in part to efforts by NBAA and its International Operators Committee. Preliminary information indicates the new civil aviation regulation would reduce the lead-time for landings from seven working days to three, and notice of overflights would be reduced to a single business day, according to Lex den Herder, a member of the International Operators Committee. Read more about regulation changes in India.
No Plane No Gain Message Resonates, Even in China
March 1, 2013The No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, co-sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, has worked continuously to educate American policymakers and opinion leaders about the importance of business aviation to U.S. citizens, companies and communities. And it appears the campaign's message has applications in places outside the U.S., including in the emerging Chinese aviation market. Similar to the U.S., China is an expansive country with airline service between its top cities, but often far less access to air transportation among smaller communities. A fast-growing nation with tremendous economic potential, China could benefit from building a general aviation (GA) infrastructure that would facilitate business travel and help make the country more globally competitive. Read more about using the No Plane No Gain campaign to build GA in China.
Business Aviation in India: A Long Road Worth Traveling
February 18, 2013Rohit Kapur has worked to bring two different business aviation organizations together within the past two years to form the Business Aircraft Operators Association of India (BAOA), of which he is president. Together with his directors and staff and approximately 60 members, Kapur has struggled to help India create a vibrant business aviation industry in one of the world's most promising environments. "Growth over the past 10 years has averaged 12.5 percent year-to-year," he said. "We are cautiously optimistic. [Business aviation in] India has the potential to grow 25 percent year on year for the next decade. But that will only happen if certain factors fall into place." Listen to this week's edition of the NBAA Flight Plan podcast to learn more about business aviation in India.
ABACE2013 Will Extend Reach With Media Partnerships
February 12, 2013NBAA’s upcoming Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2013) in Shanghai will emulate a successful feature of last year’s show: using dozens of media partnerships to attract prospective aircraft buyers and other highly sought-after visitors. ABACE2012 had 43 media partners representing a wide range of aviation, business and lifestyle publications from across Asia, Europe and the United States, and NBAA expects to have as many or more media partners for this year’s event, which takes place April 16 to 18. “Media partnerships have been an extremely important part of our ability to have a successful show,” said Maureen Cameron, NBAA marketing director, conventions and forums. Read more about media partnerships for ABACE2013.
Chinese Officials, NBAA Enthusiastically Readying for ABACE2013
February 5, 2013NBAA is already hard at work with Asian government officials to prepare for the upcoming edition of the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2013), April 16 to 18 at Shanghai's Hongqiao International Airport. In January, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen and other Association representatives traveled to China to speak about matters affecting the emerging regional business aviation industry with several top government officials, as part of a broader discussion about issues that would be in focus at ABACE2013. Read more about preparing for ABACE2013.
Thailand's Brief Business Jet Ban Highlights Importance of Industry Advocacy in Region
January 30, 2013A temporary ban on business aircraft at Phuket International Airport in Thailand during the recent holiday season of is an example of why NBAA's work with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is so important, said Doug Carr, NBAA's vice president of safety, security, operations & regulation. Established in 1989, APEC supports sustainable economic growth and prosperity among its 21 member nations that circle the Pacific Ocean. Focusing on trade and economic issues, APEC understands the airlines' contribution to each of their economies, said Carr, "but business aviation is a relatively new topic for them, so we should not expect rapid changes until they fully understand its contributions." Read more about NBAA’s work with APEC.
China Accelerates Opening of Low-Level Airspace
November 26, 2012Chinese officials now say more than a third of the country’s airspace below 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) is now open to general aviation. The opening of China’s airspace is now expected to be completed by 2020 – years ahead of schedule, according to the deputy secretary of the National Air Traffic Management Committee. Reforms now underway are expected to begin in earnest by 2015, according to Jason Liao, chairman and CEO of China Business Aviation Group and NBAA’s representative in Asia. Learn more about the opening of airspace in China.
NBAA Champions Business Aviation Growth in Meetings Among U.S., Asian Aviation Officials
November 7, 2012For over a week, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) hosted a “trade mission” of senior government officials from Asian aviation authorities that began in Orlando at NBAA’s 65th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2012) and concluded with a day-long workshop in Washington, all aimed at fostering opportunities for general aviation in Asia. Delegations from among the 21 Pacific Rim nations that make up Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) took part in NBAA2012, toured Gulfstream Aviation in Savannah, GA and held the Washington workshop in cooperation with USTDA and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Read more about the trade mission.
NBAA Advises Japanese Officials on Business Aviation Improvements
October 2, 2012A delegation of 16 Japanese officials spent the morning of Sept. 28 at NBAA headquarters learning about infrastructure, policy and regulatory components that make business aviation successful in the United States, and could help foster the industry’s continued growth in Japan. Their mission, according to Vice President of Safety, Security, Operations & Regulation Doug Carr, was to discern what aspects of these components they could implement to better serve business aviation as part of the Narita city government’s oversight of Narita International Airport. The Japanese recognize business aviation as a critical connection to the global economic network that attracts local investment and development, but unlike the United States, Japan does not have a geographic array of primary and reliever airports, Carr said. Read more about challenges facing business aviation in Japan.
China Going Forward with New GA Airports in Beijing, Shanghai
September 19, 2012A recent report indicating official support for the development of two new general aviation (GA) airports in Shanghai and Beijing was welcomed by advocates for China's growing business aviation industry. China's official Xinhua News Agency cited remarks about the plans for the airports made by Li Jiaxiang, administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China. Li said the planned airports were part of a comprehensive program to develop and modernize China's aviation infrastructure. Jason Liao, chairman and CEO of the China Business Aviation Group and NBAA's chief representative in Asia, said the report is "an additional sign of the government's efforts to build a strong aviation sector in China." Read more about new GA airports in China.
Helicopters Prominent in China's Acceptance of General Aviation
May 17, 2012In 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, 2012An 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, 2012With 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, 2012The 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, 2011Perhaps 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, 2011Shanghai 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, 2011Effective 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, 2011Two 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, 2011The 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, 2011Raising 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, 2011More 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, 2011India, 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, 2011With 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, 2011Since 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, 2011Two 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.
