The only bad shows are the shows you don't attend.
That's the view from exhibitor Derco, whose chairman and chief executive Eric Dermond is delighted with the interest generated in his company, thanks to Asian Aerospace '98.
"We have been very, very busy meeting suppliers and customers and will definitely return," he says. It's a view shared by many of the exhibitors, the majority of whom are impressed with the serious enquiries into their businesses from foreign military and political delegations, as well as from senior industry executives.
The only grumbles have been about the support services such as transport, air conditioning and administration.
Yves Leclere, chairman of Messier-Bugatti, and Jean-Luc Engerand, vice-president of aircraft braking, say the show is a good forum for doing business. "It is also ideal for networking," says Leclere.
Jillian Dempsey, of Transasian Air, agrees: "We've been able to use the show to catch up with business contacts and find out the latest news about our industry."
British Aerospace's Andrew Wilson says good business has been done at the show. "Our indoor simulation at our stand has been well attended and we have had a number of international VIP visitors including ministers and chiefs of air staff which have been a highlight for us."
Bill Mawer, sales and marketing director for GEC-Marconi Avionics, says: "Despite talk in the industry and media about the current economic gloom in the region, our stand and products have provoked plenty of interest. This shows the potential for growth is there."
The show is the ideal meeting place, says Del Holyland, exhibitions manager for Martin-Baker. "We've been coming to Asian Aerospace since 1986 and there is no doubt it is still a high quality show with plenty of interest from visitors."
For John Reidy, director of Direct Personnel International, Asian Aerospace '98 marks the company's first visit to any of the world's air shows. "We have been very impressed at the potential market in Asia for crew leasing and will most definitely be making a return visit."
Clifford Archer, chairman of Advanced Turbo Technology, says: "I think the attendance is slightly down on the last show two years' ago. But, having said that, there is a higher calibre of people and organisations here with whom to do business and we have been very busy holding meetings."
Peter Nottage, general manager of National Jet Systems Group feels the profile of his organisation has received a tremendous boost. "I think being here has helped promote our company very well. Although we have no firm contracts, there are some very promising leads to follow up in the Asian market."
Carl Hill, vice-president of Curtiss-Wright, says: "It is great to be able to come over and support our Singapore sales and marketing office. The show is the ideal way to communicate our message effectively and we have been able to use it for scheduled and ad hoc meetings with business contacts."
Leonid Soukhorezov, advertising and exhibitions manager for V/O Aviaexport, says combining a stand with a chalet has proved a perfect mix for doing business. "The weather makes it very hot but the chalet has been good for making contacts."
At Denel, marketing manager Arthur Oates thinks the show has a quality feel in terms of fellow exhibitors and interest from showgoers, but is disappointed in some of the support services provided by the organisers. "I think the attitude of some of the stewards, the lack of cleanliness with the toilet facilities and the transport has been disgusting."ight test programme at A
Source: Flight Daily News