The Singapore Airshow, hailed as Asia's premier aerospace and defence exposition, is set to return this Tuesday, boasting new exhibitors, captivating aerial demonstrations, and a strong emphasis on sustainability. Scheduled from February 20-25, 2024, the event will welcome over 1,000 companies from more than 50 countries, alongside the reintroduction of Weekend@Airshow (previously known as Public Days). Among the prominent participants this year are leading aviation entities such as Airbus, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin.
The key focus of sustainability is at the core of the Singapore Airshow this year, with examples of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) by Eve Air Mobility & Wisk Aero to Neste with sustainable aviation fuel, the message of moving towards a sustainable future for aviation is clear. In addition to the display of in-development and readily available sustainable aviation solutions, the Sustainable Aviation Forum under the Airshow's AeroForums program brings together two panels of experts including business leads from Airbus, Boeing, Cathay Pacific and Neste to explore the challenges and opportunities of achieving net-zero emissions in the skies.
“As the aviation sector returns with a strong growth trajectory, the global platform and vibrant marketplace that Singapore Airshow offers will be critical as the industry seeks the solutions, ideas and partners that will help it navigate the challenges ahead. With over 1,000 participating companies and more than 50,000 trade visitors expected, we’ve been mindful to ensure that our programming also offers attendees the opportunity to engage with industry thought leaders in key discussions and to that end our AeroForum series has been curated to delve into the areas of Advanced Air Mobility, Sustainability as well as international co-operation." - Mr Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia, organiser of Singapore Airshow 2024
The Airshow's dedication to sustainability extends across its operations, evidenced by partnerships with the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore, providing a fleet of IONIQ 5 electric vehicles for delegates, and CarbonClick, a New Zealand-based technology firm offering carbon offsetting solutions, enabling attendees to offset their travel emissions in a straightforward and transparent manner.
A highlight of the Singapore Airshow remains its impressive array of flying and static display aircraft, with this year featuring both new additions and returning favorites. Making their debut in Singapore are the COMAC C919 and ARJ21 aircraft, the Catic Z-10, as well as Embraer's C390 military transport aircraft and Gulfstream G700. The Indian Air Force's Sarang Helicopter display team & Royal Australian Air Force’s Roulettes showcased their skills for the first time in Singapore, wowing audiences with their precision maneuvers. A staple for every airshow is our very own Republic of Singapore Air Force aerial display, featuring an integrated display with one F-15SG and a AH-64D Apache. Returning to Singapore after a 6 years absence is the Republic of Korea Airforce Black Eagles aerobatic team, which brought joy to many aviation enthusiasts. Commercial aircraft participating in the flying display included the Airbus A350-1000 using sustainable fuels, the COMAC C919 and ARJ21.
Flying displays are scheduled for once daily at 12:30pm on February 20th, and at 11:30am on February 21st and 22nd. During Weekend@Airshow (previously called Public Days), they will occur twice daily at 11:30am and 2:30pm on February 24th and 25th. Do note these timings are subjected to changes.
The extensive list of exhibitors and aircraft at the Singapore Airshow 2024 guarantees to captivate both aviation professionals and enthusiasts alike!
(Photos by Sng Wei Jie & Malcolm Lu)