Business aviation industry chiefs announced on Monday they will stage their first-ever Asian showcase sales exhibition in Shanghai next year in a bid to boost the reach of the multi-billion dollar sector.

They made clear that they saw China as the likely focus of expansion across the Asia-Pacific region for the industry's plane makers and service providers.

"Holding the show in Shanghai on an annual basis will show our commitment to seeing this become a truly global industry," Ed Bolen, president of the U.S. National Business Aviation Association NBAA.L told reporters.

He was speaking at Geneva airport on the eve of the opening of the 11th European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE), which attracted more exhibitors this year than ever.

The industry is steadily recovering from the international financial crisis of 2008-2009, with flights increasing but aircraft sales still stagnant.

Brian Humphries, president of the industry's European association EBAA, said the record turnout -- from big name manufacturers to small firms making communication equipment -- showed strong confidence in the industry's future.

Business aviation accounts for some 8 percent of world flights. Although highly developed in North America and Europe, the industry has taken off slowly in Asia.

China currently has only around 60 business jets operated by a handful of private firms, expected to double to 120 or more by next year and keep growing, industry officials say.

A new grouping for the region, the Asia Business Aviation Association, has signed a five-year agreement with the Shanghai Airport Authority under which next year's show, from March 27-29, will be an annual event.