The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) canceled this year’s Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE), given health concerns and other special challenges for event participants, which have arisen in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak.

ABACE 2020 was scheduled to take place in Shanghai from April 21-23.

In remarking on the decision, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen noted that, “ABACE has always been more than an industry trade show: it is a platform for building business aviation in China, throughout Asia and around the world. NBAA and the Shanghai Airport Authority (SAA) have an extraordinarily strong partnership, having worked closely together for nearly a decade, to build ABACE into one of the world’s truly great aviation events.

“Our organizations have always viewed participating exhibitors, attendees and government leaders as partners,” Bolen continued, “and as with all NBAA events, their health, safety and security is always our highest priority.

“While the Chinese government is taking commendable steps to address the Coronavirus outbreak, the current situation has presented a very challenging environment for decision-making and action for ABACE participants to fully prepare for the event. This necessary step is being taken in the spirit of partnership, collaboration and transparency.”

Bolen concluded: “We will focus on making ABACE 2021 the best edition yet and continuing its critical role in promoting business aviation in China, across Asia and around the world. As we look to next year’s event, and those in the years to come, we look forward to building on our relationships with the SAA, our host FBO Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Centre and our peers with the Asian Business Aviation Association in producing ABACE, ensuring the show’s continued success for business aviation across the globe.” ABACE 2021 is scheduled to take place from April 13-15, 2021.