The first Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition 2005 (ABACE2005) raised its curtain at Shanghai New International Exhibition Center on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the newest 11 business airplanes were on display at the No. 10 parking apron of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.

During the exhibition, there will be more than 30 demonstration flights aiming at potential clients. Many business aircrafts on display at the exhibition are the newest models of the world, such as the smallest business airplane CessnaCJ1, and the newest long-distance business plane "Global Express XRS" built by Bombardier Inc. "Global Express" has luxurious inside facilities, with a quoted price of about US$45 million , which may make it the most expensive airplane at this exhibition.

China's business aviation market is still at the starting stage. However, the operation of business aviation in Shanghai is growing at an over 15% rate annually. The world's six largest business airplane manufacturers have optimistic views on the future markets in Asia, especially in China.

(Chinanews.cn August 12, 2005)