Registrations 60pc up for aviation expo despite slump: organisers

SIXTY per cent higher demand for exhibitor space for this September's Asian Aerospace International Expo in Hong Kong supports industry forecasts that growth will continue in the Chinese aviation market despite the global economic downturn, say conference organisers.

"Despite a clearly challenging world economy, exhibitor commitments to the 2009 Asian Aerospace International Expo are up 60 per cent compared with the same period before the 2007 Asian Aerospace Expo," said Paul Beh, president of Reed Exhibitions Asia Pacific.

The underlying demand for air travel remains in China," he said. "This is reflected in the quickly growing number of new airports in the country."

According to the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC), the number of airports nationwide will increase to 192 by 2010, and to 244 by 2020, said a statement from the organisers.

The Asian Aerospace Exhibition and Congress will be held at the Hong Kong AsiaWorld-Expo, from September 7 to 10.

Air Freight Asia is a trade show for buyers and sellers of products and services for the air cargo, logistics and express industry. With over 20 years of history, Air Freight Asia is a major component of Asian Aerospace and has co-located since 2007. For more information, please visit www.airfreightasia.com

Source: Schednet