The Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) and Avic Foundation are planning to sign a four-year agreement today that covers a spectrum of joint activities and educational initiatives to foster the business and general aviation industry in China. To take effect immediately, the agreement will be signed during AsBAA Discovery, the student careers day at ABACE, and builds on AsBAA’s growing effort for student outreach.

The strategic partnership will leverage the reach of AsBAA and Avic Foundation in China. AsBAA is a non-profit member-based organization representing more than 130 business and general aviation organizations, while Avic Foundation is part of Avic General, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (Caiga), the state-owned general aviation organization that was established to contribute to the development of the industry in China.

“AsBAA has been encouraged to see significant progress in terms of cooperation between our association, CAAC and other governmental and non-government departments,” said AsBAA chairman Charlie Mularski, who added that the agreement builds on this progress. “We believe this marks the start of a significant public-private partnership in the advocation or our industries’ further development for all key stakeholders.”

China represents an enormous growth market for business and general aviation, Mularski added, but noted a number of issues confront the industry. These include attracting and retaining talent, education, public relations and suitable regulation.

Partnerships with the government and companies such as Avic “is pushing forward the industry across China, helping to overcome some of the challenges of recent years and connect communities, drive economies and create new opportunities,” he said.

The partnership between AsBAA and Avic Foundation will involve several joint efforts, including promoting the industry and organizing industry activities in China. It will also have a heavy emphasis on education. The organizations will work to set up cooperation and communication with Chinese education administration departments, industry and schools; stress the importance of education that spans primary and middle schools, polytechnic colleges and aviation colleges; and develop a sustainable non-profit aviation education program with internships and scholarships.

Staging the signing during the newly AsBAA Discovery student day underscores the emphasis of fostering interest in business and general aviation among students. AsBAA formed a student chapter in mainland China three years ago to address concerns about a lack of awareness among students about career opportunities in business and general aviation. That chapter effort has since extended to Hong Kong and Singapore. The student day has also expanded, bringing in 230 students to ABACE this year.

“This strategy and spirit aligns very well with Avic Foundation’s own mission to inspire advocate and education pupils, students, the media and public authorities so that our industry can realize its full potential China,” said Sun Huilan, general secretary of Avic Foundation. “Avic Foundation was founded on a principle of advocating a general aviation culture at a young age so that the dreams of flying and working in aviation can be realized.”

ABACE 2017

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