Asia, with its booming economic growth, improved infrastructure, top convention and tourism destinations and increased spending is now the epicentre where changes in global mobility, operations and markets take place. Today, Asia Pacific has some of the world’s largest and most efficient cargo operators.
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines’ (AAPA) 2011 estimates show that Asia Pacific aviation raked in $163 billion in revenue with Asia Pacific carriers accounting for 27 percent of global passenger traffic and 41 percent of global cargo traffic. In 2012, airlines increased engagement for “ongoing capital investment in fleets, airports and other services infrastructure” said Andrew Herdman, director general, AAPA.
Based on Boeing’s long-term market outlook for 2012-2031, Asia Pacific’s share of world gross domestic product is projected to expand from 28 percent today to 36 percent in 2031 with nearly half of the world’s air traffic growth driven by travel to, from, or within the region.
Brisk market growth is expected to be sustained, as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reinforces business and leisure travel ties with China and Taiwan. Growth will also be driven by the relaxing of domestic market regulation within the aforementioned countries, with improved service between capitals, all leading to a more a cohesive aviation market.
Complementing this transition are regional air shows which have expanded tremendously over the last decade. Major air shows like Aero India, Airshow China, Asian Aerospace, Indodefence Expo and Forum, Japan Aerospace, Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition, Singapore Airshow and Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition continue to attract exhibitors and visitors from all over the world.
The neighbouring United Arab Emirates is also making its presence felt in the industry with the Dubai Air Show, and more recently, the 18th World Route Development Forum, also known as World Routes 2012, held in Abu Dhabi. These shows are important as global meeting places for airlines, airports, maintenance, repair and overhaul providers, defence contractors, civil and military aviation companies and tourism authorities to examine air services and get updates on new market developments.
The increase in the number of air shows and participants has also raised the level of competition, urging aviation companies, providers and authorities to differentiate themselves and step up their game in supporting the region’s developments.
“It is crucial for aviation companies to have a strong presence at major air shows for better access to buyers and to foster strategic partnerships with the aviation community at large,” said Anthony Chong, managing director of Kingsmen Exhibits Pte Ltd. “We are able to support clients like the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Kallman Worldwide Inc. and Korea Aerospace Industries with the design and/or build of their booths, chalets and pavilions at these air shows.”
With six airports in Asia listed in the Top 10 for the 2012 World Airport Awards – three of which clinched the top 3 spots (South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong respectively), the Asia Pacific region is well-positioned to sustain its growth as a bustling air hub.
The contributor is the sales & marketing director of Kingsmen Exhibits Pte Ltd, a leading communication design and production group in Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
