(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-08-31 09:15

HONG KONG - Hong Kong will host the Asian Aerospace International Expo and Congress 2007 (Asian Aerospace) at Hong Kong International Airport from September 3 to 6.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Thursday officially welcomed the world-renowned civil aerospace exhibition to Hong Kong, which has been held in Singapore for more than 20 years.

Stanley Hui, The Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong said, "Hosting this prestigious event is a milestone in the development of Hong Kong's aviation industry and highlights HKIA's status as a regional and international aviation hub."

Two cargo bays have been set aside to exhibit an Airbus A380, while three new cargo bays will be in service to ensure efficient freight operations during the show, and around 10 commercial, executive and trainer aircraft will be displayed on the apron of the Business Aviation Center, Hui said.

Around 10,000 pre-registered trade visitors, 1,000 conference delegates and 500 exhibiting companies from more than 20 countries are expected to attend Asian Aerospace 2007, Hui added.

London-based Reed Exhibitions, which owns the Asian Aerospace brand name, decided last year to move the venue to Hong Kong in 2007.

Paul Beh, Reed Exhibitions President Asia Pacific said, "we have put an exceptional amount of effort into visitor promotion programs in countries throughout the region, most notably in China and India, the most obvious large markets."

The company believed that Hong Kong is not only a gateway to the Chinese market, but also a highly-connected aviation hub with direct access to other large emerging markets like India, Thailand and the Middle East.