O2H2O was delighted to attend the first-ever Business Aviation Asia Forum & Expo (BAAFEx), which kicked off on March 4 at the Singapore Changi Exhibition Centre. This highly anticipated event marks a new chapter in the business aviation industry, replacing the former Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE), last held in Shanghai in 2019.
Organized by Experia Events, the team behind the renowned Singapore Airshow, BAAFEx is set to become a biennial event, alternating with the Singapore Airshow at the same venue. The next edition is already scheduled for April 6-8, 2027.
A Growing Market for Business Aviation in Asia
Asia’s business aviation sector is thriving, with the region now recognized as the third-largest marketglobally. According to Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events, the rise in ultra-high-net-worth individuals—who now account for one-third of the global total—has fueled this growth.
“We expect healthy growth in the Asia-Pacific business aviation industry over the next decade, outpacing the global average,” Leck shared. This optimism is driven by strong market fundamentals, increasing demand, and the emergence of new economies across the region.
Why Singapore?
Singapore was chosen as the host city for BAAFEx due to its business-friendly environment, world-class infrastructure, and strategic location near key markets. The Changi Exhibition Centre offered an ideal setting, featuring a spacious indoor exhibit hall and ample ramp space for static aircraft displays.
The event attracted over 50 exhibitors, including leading Chinese charter, management, and MRO providers, as well as more than 2,000 visitors from across the region. The static display showcased three impressive aircraft: a VistaJet Bombardier Global 7500, an AmberJet Gulfstream GIV, and a Dassault Falcon 8X.
A Platform for Collaboration and Growth
BAAFEx went beyond exhibitions, offering a robust conference program with 12 sessions over three days, featuring 46 speakers. The first day’s sessions were standing room only, reflecting the industry’s eagerness to share insights and drive growth in the Asia-Pacific business aviation sector.
Alexandre Heng of O2H2O highlighted the significance of the event: “While China remains the largest market for business aviation in the region, companies are increasingly looking at opportunities in Southeast Asia. This event is a catalyst for tapping into that potential.”
A Promising Future
Leck Chet Lam expressed confidence in BAAFEx’s success, stating, “We’re launching this show, and I think it’s going to be a success.” With its strong debut, BAAFEx has positioned itself as a key platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth in the Asia-Pacific business aviation industry.
O2H2O is excited to be part of this journey and looks forward to contributing to the industry’s bright future. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore new horizons in business aviation!
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