The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) of the US today presented Shanghai Airport Authority (SAA) President Jing Yi Ming with an Innovation Award.

The award honours SAA's leadership and commitment in co-hosting the annual Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (Abace), which has taken place in Shanghai, China since 2012.

The award was presented NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen at the 2016 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (Ebace), which got under way in Geneva, Switzerland, today.

"Jing is a champion for Abace, and a tireless advocate for the industry in China and across Asia,” said Bolen. “The success and significance of Abace simply would not have been possible without strong support from Jing and the SAA.”

As an example, Bolen noted that, with the SAA’s support, ABACE has featured a variety of fixed-wing androtor aircraft in the show’s aircraft display at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.

The 2016 event, which took place last month, showcased the largest-ever footprint for the show’s exhibit floor, upon which 40 per cent of the 165 exhibiting companies were based in the region. Abace 2016 attracted attendees from more than 50 countries. The static display, with 30 aircraft, was more diverse than ever this year, featuring the full spectrum of general aviation aircraft. 

Jointly hosted by NBAA and the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), Ebace serves as Europe’s premier showcase for business aviation, while also providing an important venue to continue the vital dialogue between regulatory authorities, business leaders and other stakeholders.

Ebace features about 60 business aircraft on static display. In addition, the convention draws a variety of manufacturers, aircraft completion specialists, sales and financing professionals and service and maintenance providers.