Asia's non-profit representative body for the business and general aviation industry AsBAA has been involved with developing an aviation plan with the central government of China of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.

Chairperson Jenny Lau says: “We are deeply encouraged and proud to see the Chinese central government's enhanced commitment to recognising the importance of business and general aviation and facilitating its growth in the GBA. Over the past three years, we have successfully lobbied for many of the points now announced in the government's outline plan for the region. These efforts have been to raise awareness that the development of private aviation in the GBA will lead to enhanced economic prosperity, greater efficiency, technological advancement, an expanded financial support network, new jobs and a wealth of benefits for the region such as research and development opportunities, and education and training for local communities.

“In addition, we can now expect to see greater standardisation of the rules relating to airspace usage, routing and operational procedures between the three areas. AsBAA will continue to provide advice that ensures that new infrastructure meets the needs of its users. We look forward to grasping this opportunity together with our members.”

Over the past three years, the association's efforts to action change have included direct lobbying with governmental departments, white paper submissions, the establishment of a GBA think-tank group, information sharing via local business networks, closed-door meetings and a multitude of presentations to stakeholders including private associations, chambers of commerce and at public industry related forums in Zhuhai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau and Hong Kong.

China is the largest business aviation market in Asia. By the end of 2017, there were 244 fixed wing aircraft, 160 helicopters and seven other aircraft based in the GBA. Of the 244 fixed wing aircraft, 83 per cent are business jets. The fleet of 160 helicopters is expected to further increase in line with the demand for increased economic output, connectivity and time efficiency in the region. With the announcement that Macau airport is to become a business aviation hub and for cross-border helicopter services, these fixed wing fleet numbers will also continue to rise as more space becomes available and increased support is added.

Head of the Hong Kong Chapter and VP of AsBAA Phil Balmer adds: “There is now a further opportunity to build on these detailed plans and continue to work with the SAR authorities within greater China to implement each point of the proposal. We seek to expand our member's community participation in and support for the GBA plan. We now have the blueprint for the future of these sectors here. We urge all stakeholders and leading industry players to join us to enable the association to continue its efforts on behalf of the industry.”