AAIS was pleased to be a supporting association for the inaugural Business Aviation Asia Forum & Expo (BAAFex 2025). Held from 4 to 6 March, BAAFex 2025 brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to examine the evolving business aviation landscape in Asia. The event saw robust discussions on market trends, regulatory frameworks, and investment opportunities as well as leading industry players showcasing the latest advancements in aircraft, services, MRO, and operational solutions.
Organised by Experia, the Forum was widely welcomed by the industry as timely, given the rise of Business Aviation in the SE Asia region. Day 1 opened to the sound of a gong and pineapples being rolled, this being a symbol of prosperity. Lion dancers graced the occasion and added to the festivities.
Day 2 saw a panel discussion on “Southeast Asia: The New Centre of Growth,” featuring AAIS Chief Executive, alongside industry leaders from ACAM Group, Air 7 Asia, and TAG Aviation. The session addressed a broad spectrum of issues, from market drivers and operational challenges to regulatory developments shaping the sector’s future. The discussion also explored the potential for establishing a dedicated aircraft registry in Southeast Asia, reflecting the growing industry interest in a regionally tailored approach to business aviation.
Key Takeaways
- Southeast Asia is emerging as a key business aviation hub, driven by economic growth, rising demand for private and corporate travel, and increasing high-net-worth individual populations.
- Business Aviation is a barometer of business activities, economic growth and the rise in the number of high net worth individuals. The dynamic SE Asia region, attracted 17% (a record US$230 billion) of global foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in 2023.
- Singapore, in particular, attracted the majority of this FDI and related business activities from an increasing number of regional offices. Single family offices are also on the rise, with 400 receiving incentives in 2020 and 2,000 setting up here in 2024. This all correlated with an estimated increase to 90 business jets based at Singapore’s Seletar Airport in 2024.
- Investment in infrastructure and services is crucial to support sustainable industry growth, with stakeholders highlighting opportunities in fixed-base operations (FBOs), MRO facilities, and aircraft management services.
- Regulatory harmonisation remains a challenge, with calls for clearer and more coordinated policies across jurisdictions to facilitate seamless operations.
In addition to participating in the panel discussion, AAIS Chief Executive was interviewed by Channel News Asia (CNA) to share insights on the potential and growth of business aviation in the Southeast Asian region. The interview, which addressed market trends and industry opportunities, can be viewed here: CNA Interview.
With Southeast Asia well-positioned to become a dynamic centre for business aviation, AAIS is pleased to support the sustainable development of the sector in Singapore and the broader region.
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