Jet makers looking to China's market for rapid growth

Workers prepare scenics posters against the Canada's Bombardier business jet advertisement billboard on display at Hongqiao International Airport ahead of the Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai, Monday, April 16, 2018. The three day ABACE starts Tuesday. [Photo: AP]

The Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition in Shanghai is focused on the future of autonomous passenger drones, in-flight digital security, carbon off-setting, and new routes through Asia.

Aerospace companies from across the world are competing in the booming corporate jet market in Shanghai.

Vendors and business leaders are optimistic despite rising tension between the US and China over trade.

Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association, says the sector has seen remarkable growth in China.

"It is remarkable to see how fast growth takes place in China particularly in Shanghai and how quickly business aviation has taken root here in this country and also grown quickly with 'Chinese characteristics'."

Chinese visitors line-up to go inside a Canada's Bombardier Global 7000 business jet cabin on display at Hongqiao International Airport during the Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. [Photo: AP]

Tit-for-tat trade tariffs between China and the US had worried aviation industry leaders and stock traders when American aeroplanes were proposed to face Chinese tariffs.

But the tariffs are far from being enacted.

The Chinese tax agency says the date on which the 25 percent tariff hike might take effect would be announced later depending on what US President Donald Trump's government does about plans to raise duties on a similar amount of Chinese goods.

Visitors wait for their turn to go inside a American Gulfstream's business jet aircraft on display at Hongqiao International Airport during the Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. [Photo: AP]

Dassault aerospace corporation deputy director Carlos Brana says Chinese consumers are looking for long-range aircraft that function as mobile offices for long trips.

"The Chinese market is very interested in long-range airplanes. In fact, we are manufacturing different kinds of airplanes from airplanes going from 3300 nautical miles to 6450 nautical miles."

Dassault unveiled an infrared camera system that allows pilots to see through fog and bad weather, called FalconEye.

Visitors chat with exhibitor the American Gulfstream's business jet aircrafts on display at Hongqiao International Airport during the Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (ABACE) in Shanghai, Tuesday, April 17, 2018.[Photo: AP]

Support firms like fuel, logistics, tarmac services, and luxury customization, including luxury brands like Harrods and Rolls Royce, showcased their products at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.

Scott Neal, senior vice president of Gulfstream, says the market for business jets is booming in China.

"As Chinese companies expand outside of China and do business other places in the world they've realised the utility of a business jet like a Gulfstream can bring to them to allow them to grow and expand their businesses and reach locations that they really can't reach efficiently on the airlines."

Manufacturers from across the world are displaying more than 30 jets and helicopters designed for corporate, luxury and diplomatic purposes at the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition in Shanghai which ends Thursday.