AEROSPACE FORUM ASIA . . . 1986-2010 . . . origins, activities and ambitions . . .
Aerospace Forum Asia (AFA) was established in 1986 in Hong Kong as an "accidental lunch club" for industry enthusiasts. Today it plays a unique role as an on-line and face-to-face (F2F) connection point and rallying platform for our policy sensitive, interdependent, value generating global industry.
AFA is a regional non-profit association of supply chain professionals, providing cost-effective business development and advancing awareness of civil aviation's overwhelmingly positive societal and economic role. It is sponsored by the industry's top tier suppliers, led by Airbus and Boeing. All of the airlines serving the Asia Pacific market are honorary members. IATA is, however, a significant sponsor with AFA helping to explain and amplify IATA policy initiatives.
Specifically AFA offers external advocacy on IATA / ATAG / AAPA issues inside the APEC process, while promoting media appreciation of civil aviation's "real world wide web" contribution and its proactive approach to climate change.
The Forum offers its members real benefits through: weekly Viewsletters; bi-monthly Industry Leader Luncheons; regular focus group gatherings; timely event reviews; topical Asia-wide site visits; help desks at endorsed events; Metal 'n Money dialogues; Invitations to charity auctions and innovative networking opportunities.
Speakers at AFA Industry Leader Luncheons have included the Chairmen and CEOs of Cathay Pacific, MAS, Garuda, China Southern, Emirates, BA, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa and Continental, Airbus, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Honeywell, Rockwell and industry icons such as Joe Sutter, Sergei Sikorsky and Pete Conrad.
AFA initiated its charity fund-raising in 1998 and have raised over US$350,000 to date. Aerospace memorabilia and flight experiences have been generously donated by Airbus, Boeing, Cathay Pacific, Embraer, Gulfstream, Rolls-Royce, SAAB, Virgin Atlantic and autographed by Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Celine Dion, U2 and Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei.
Auctions have been organised at numerous high-profile events. Receptions promoting the Aerospace Auction have been held at Farnborough, Le Bourget, the Singapore Airshow and the Hong Kong Asian Aerospace Congress.
In 2003, AFA was awarded US$200,000 from the Hong Kong government's SARS recovery fund for "Aerospace 100" a medley of events celebrating the centenary of powered flight. The grass roots events attracted 15,000+ visitors. A future flight themed conference with The Economist, plus a gala dinner for 400 guests were delivered along with the other events on time and on budget.
