NBAA Scraps ABACE 2020 Amid Virus Concerns

With concerns mounting over the outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus in China, and Asia in general, NBAA has decided to pull the plug on this year’s Asian Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (ABACE).

The show was scheduled to take place at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport from April 21 through 23.

“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,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “This necessary step is being taken in the spirit of partnership, collaboration, and transparency.”

Since its launch in 2012, the show which is conducted in partnership with the Shanghai Airport Authority and hosted by NBAA and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) in the hangars and on the ramp of the Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Center, has become the region’s premier business aviation event, typically attracting more than 9,000 attendees from 50 countries. Next year’s edition is scheduled for April 13 to 15.

“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,” Bolen concluded.