OK, We Could Sure Use An Upswing Anytime Now...

Just when you have your fingers crossed things won't get any worse... The National Business Aviation Association announced Wednesday that economic conditions have led to the cancellation of the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) in 2009. The event was scheduled to take place in Hong Kong on February 11 and 12.

"NBAA recognizes the importance of Asia to the future of business aviation, and we will continue to work very closely with our colleagues in the Asian Business Aviation Association to promote the growth of business aviation in that part of the world," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "But ABACE requires a huge commitment of resources -- from our Member Companies, from Exhibitors and from NBAA. And, at a time when our economy is moving into its second year of a recession, NBAA is not in a position to provide ABACE with the attention and resources required to make the show the success it needs to be for our Attendees and Exhibitors.

"We regret the circumstances that have led to this year’s cancellation," Bolen added, "but we look forward to working through the challenges of today and resuming the show in future years."

This is the second time in a week NBAA has had to announce changes to its 2009 convention plans, due to the slumping economy. As ANN reported, the association's inaugural Light Business Airplane Conference has been scaled back, from three days to two.

That event will now take place March 13-14 in San Diego, CA; NBAA has also cut prices for exhibit spaces, to lure vendors.

FMI: www.nbaa.org, www.abace.aero