News
Business aviation lands at Abbotsford International Airport
In August 2017, the Abbotsford International Airport in B.C.’s Fraser Valley will play host to Canada’s $5.4 billion business aviation sector, as it welcomes the Canadian Business Aviation Association’s (CBAA) annual Convention and Exhibit. Looking at a long term relationship, the CBAA convention will return to Abbotsford in 2019.
October 20, 2015 By CBAA
The annual CBAA Convention and Exhibit, which is expected to attract as many as 1,000 delegates, is Canadian business aviation’s premier event, featuring a roster of international and Canadian speakers, exhibitors and Canada’s largest static display of private and corporate aircraft.
As an added bonus for attendees, the business aviation convention will take place just before the Abbotsford Airshow, in August, and will coincide with the the Aerospace, Defence & Security Expo also held at the Abbotsford Airport, giving CBAA delegates access to two of Canada’s most important – and influential – aviation events.
“The fact that we could time our event to both the Airshow and Expo is sure to be a huge attraction. Holding the three events together gives Canadian aviation unprecedented level of synergy and focus.” said CBAA president & CEO Rudy Toering. “The airport facilities are excellent – and we have the full commitment of the city and airport team to make our convention a success.
The Abbotsford International Airshow draws 125,000 people from around the world, making it one of Canada’s key tourism destinations and a window into aviation history and culture.
“Abbotsford International Airshow will become the premier destination for aerospace and aviation for North America” stated Jim Reith President of the Abbotsford Airshow Society. “Exhibitors to both the CBAA convention and the ADSE trade show will have access to the airshow for both flying demonstrations and aircraft static displays and delegates will conclude their events by enjoying the Twilight Show on Chalet Row.”
The Aerospace, Defence & Security Expo is a world-class aerospace exposition, attracting close to 400 delegates and almost 50 exhibitors.
“We are very excited to host the Abbotsford International Airshow, the Aerospace, Defence & Security Expo, and now the CBAA Conference at our world-class airport,” stated Dave Holmberg Chair of the Abbotsford Airport Authority.
The airport is not only a critical part of infrastructure for the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver; it is also a strategic part of community life, attracting many business and events to its facilities.
“The City of Abbotsford owns the airport – and it is very aware of the positive economic impact that business aviation makes to airport operations and to the community as a whole” said Toering.
“The Abbotsford International Airport is one of our community’s key economic assets and we want everyone to know that we are open for business. The City of Abbotsford is very proud of our community’s link with the aviation community and we look forward to building a long-term partnership with the CBAA and its membership through events like this one.” stated Mayor Henry Braun.
“The CBAA is committed to supporting Canada’s network of non-hub airports, which are essential to business aviation as well as to Canada’s connectivity. ” Toering said “Abbotsford International Airport is an excellent example of an airport that is integrated with city and community planning and connects a huge number of Canadians, Canadian companies and economic opportunity, to the world. We are proud to be holding our 2017 and 2019 conferences here.”
