Super show off to a flying start (hktdc.com)


	Asian Aerospace 2007, the largest dedicated commercial aviation expo, gained international kudos after its debut it Hong Kong

	Millions watched as Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft, made a dramatic fly-past over Victoria Harbour

	Clive Richardson of Reed Exhibitions says the event proved to be a productive platform for aviation business

The overwhelming response from the aviation industry to Hong Kong's first major airshow and an impressive fly-past of the world's largest passenger aircraft further enhanced the profile of Hong Kong as an important aviation hub.

The Asian Aerospace International Expo and Congress, organised by Reed Exhibitions, attracted more than 500 exhibitors and over 11,000 trade visitors from 69 countries.

The four-day event which ended on September 9 was billed as the world's largest commercial aviation and aerospace meeting place with a trade-only focus and a business2business (B2B) platform. It was an exclusively industry gathering for the broad aviation and aerospace sector including airlines, aircraft interiors, air freight training and simulation, maintenance, repair and overhaul.

The debut show enjoyed a particularly high profile with the spectacular image of the world's largest jet, Airbus A380, against the Victoria Harbour skyline seen by millions around the world.

"The flypast of the Airbus A380 is a dream come true and raised the profile of Hong Kong as an aviation hub," said Clive Richardson, Senior Vice President, Reed Exhibitions. "This is a significant factor as Hong Kong is going to see a lot of that aircraft over the coming years. It is a real win-win situation."

Productive platform

Mr Richardson described the 25-year-old biennial event as a "super show and a great start", as it relocated to Hong Kong for the first time after over 20 years in Singapore. The city's proximity to the world's largest market, China, and the show venue at AsiaWorld-Expo right next to Hong Kong International Airport were the main reasons behind the move.

"Hong Kong proved to be a productive platform but what was particularly gratifying was that our exhibiting customers put faith in us and came to Hong Kong for the first time. We couldn't have asked for more on our first outing with the new dedicated B2B civil expo and congress concept," he added.

He said the B2B platform ensured no wastage in terms of visitor profile, and provided a critical mass that allowed productive engagements with business contacts from key markets such as China, India and other emerging markets in the region.

Focus on Asia

The event's relocation comes as the Asia Pacific is forecast by the world's top manufacturers to account for a third of aircraft orders over the next 20 years. Airbus and Boeing, both exhibitors at the event, respectively see the Asia Pacific market as the number two region behind North America. Boeing expects the Asia Pacific region to account for 29 per cent of all new aircraft deliveries through 2026, while by dollar value that percentage will be in excess of one third.

Mr Richardson noted forecasts by the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) which sees domestic traffic doubling every five years, and expects at least three Chinese airlines to be among the world's Top 10 in passenger traffic and revenue rankings by 2020.

"I was very impressed by the showing of the Chinese aviation industry at the show. The two big stands from the China Aviation Corporation (AVIC 1 & 2) were very impressive indeed and even our international friends who have been at the shows for years were wowed by the display, he said"

China aviation turnout seals success of show

Aero Expo a "classic example" of HK positioning