The inaugural Business Aviation Asia Forum and Expo (BAAFEx), held from March 4-6 at Singapore's Changi Exhibition Centre, marked a significant milestone in the business aviation sector by attracting over 2,000 attendees—a figure that surpassed initial projections and highlighted the growing interest in business aviation throughout the Asia-Pacific region. This impressive turnout not only underscores the region's potential but also sets a constructive precedent for future events aimed at fostering connections and showcasing innovations within the industry.
The exuberance surrounding the forum has already prompted several exhibitors to commit to participating in the next edition of BAAFEx, which is scheduled for 2027. Leck Chet Lam, the Managing Director of Experia Events, the show's organiser, expressed, "The consensus among exhibitors, sponsors and trade visitors is that the inaugural show exceeded their expectations." This feedback reinforces the high calibre of engagement fostered at BAAFEx and highlights the wealth of promising opportunities emerging within the sector.
Leck emphasised that exhibitors were particularly impressed by the volume and quality of business meetings conducted during the event, culminating in numerous new sales opportunities. A diverse array of attendees from 56 different countries and regions underscored the international appeal of the forum, making it a truly global gathering for business aviation professionals.
With approximately 1,600 aircraft currently registered, the Asia-Pacific region stands as the world's third-largest market for business aviation, according to projections from the Aviation Week Intelligence Network. The forecast anticipates growth to over 1,900 business jets by 2034, translating to an annual compound growth rate of 2.1%, which outpaces the global average of 1.4%.
Additionally, the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) sector within the region's business aviation landscape is projected to expand even more rapidly than the global average, with a forecasted compound annual growth rate of 4.1% from 2025 to 2034. Leck noted, "Asia Pacific is growing faster than the rest of the world," highlighting how business jet flying hours have soared to 41% above pre-COVID levels, as the Aviation Week Intelligence Network reported.
Reflecting on the necessity of such an event, Leck pointed out, "Despite the immense size of Asia Pacific's business aviation market, the region had no truly international business aviation show where companies could showcase their latest products and services to people from around the region. We saw a gap in the market for such a show."
BAAFEx comprises four key elements: an exhibition, expert panels and keynote speakers, aircraft displays, and crucial networking opportunities. Throughout the three-day event, 12 engaging conference sessions were held, featuring 46 industry experts who shared their insights, knowledge, and experiences with attendees, often drawing near-capacity crowds eager to learn and engage.
The event also garnered extensive media coverage, with over 60 media outlets participating, including major international newswires, global broadcasters, as well as regional and international publications. This media exposure not only benefited individual exhibitors but also significantly elevated the profile of the business aviation industry as a whole.
Leck concluded, "The enormous momentum created from" BAAFEx 2025 means we anticipate that the next show in 2027 will be even bigger." This optimism reflects the increasing recognition of Asia Pacific's role in shaping the future of business aviation and the sustainable growth of this vital sector.
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