Reed Exhibitions drew in over 12,600 attendees - one third from China, one third from Asia and the remainder from the rest of the world - at Asian Aerospace 09 last week in Hong Kong. One hundred senior industry speakers addressed the supporting conferences and 200 media came out on the opening day and visited the aircraft on display at Hong Kong International's Business Park.

Business aviation had a strong profile this year with a record 16 aircraft out in the static park (up from seven in 2007). There were debut appearances from Airbus' Elite ACJ A318, Dassault's Falcon 7X and Piaggio of Italy's fast business turboprop, the Avanti II. Gulfstream and Cessna, both absent at Paris Show, were present and Bombardier had a strong showing with a Global Express XRS, Challenger 605 and 850 and Learjet 60X on display. The static display complemented a new two half-day conference in co-operation with Asian Business Aircraft Association where OEMs and operators highlighted that China especially is going to be a huge market - but growth needs to be cautious and investment in infrastructure, maintenance and support will be crucial to success.

News highlights from the show included Asia Jet, together with operating partner MetroJet, announcing the introduction of a new Challenger 605 into the charter market in Hong Kong; Jet Aviation announced it is establishing a new FBO (fixed base operation) in Beijing in a JV with Deer Air and Reach Investment. Eurocopter announced the sale of three EC155 helicopters to the Royal Thai Police and Cessna announced the sale of three Sovereign Aircraft for airways calibration. Jet Aviation confirmed it is adding an Embraer Legacy and two more Challengers to its Asia fleet. Panasonic, the IFE specialist announced the opening of a new regional headquarters in Hong Kong as it works to conclude new business deals in China.

Boeing highlighted that the Asia Pacific region will be the biggest growth market over the next 20 years with some 40% of the world's traffic beginning, ending or taking place there. The Asia Pacific fleet will treble from 3,910 to 11,170 - 80% of that representing new growth, according to the manufacturer. Strong domestic growth in China, India and other emerging Asian nations will contribute to the high demand for single aisle aircraft and more than half the deliveries (5,600) will be single aisle versions.