Singapore Airshow rides on Asia-Pacific travel demand growth

The biennial Singapore Airshow continued to grow this year, thanks to a strong growth in travel in the Asia-Pacific region, organizers said on Sunday. The show, now in its third edition and one of the world's largest aerospace and defense exhibitions, will be held at the Changi Exhibition Center from Feb. 14 to Feb. 19. Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the show, Jimmy Lau, managing director of the organizer Experia Events, said the response has been very positive, with the exhibition area growing despite uncertainties in the global economy. "This year the air show is occupying over 50,000 square meters of covered exhibition area. This is an increase from the last show in 2010 by at least 6.5 percent," he said. There will be more than 900 exhibitors from 50 countries and regions and 266 delegations from some 80 countries. About 60 of the world's top 100 aerospace companies will be at the show, including Boeing, which has brought its "dreamliner" Boeing 787 as part of its third segment of its Dream Tour. Over 65 of the latest military aircraft, passenger airliners and luxury business jets will be featured at the outdoor static display on a space of over 100,000 square meters. There will also be 22 national and group pavilions, including Japan and Ukraine pavilions for the first time. Lau said the Asia-Pacific region continued to attract the attention of the industry thanks to its resilient growth. "I think the global financial uncertainties obviously post a lot of challenges, but the Asia-Pacific is a hot spot for growth," he said. "The passenger traffic in China alone is going to drive the market growth for Asia-Pacific." The global aviation industry had been facing tremendous pressure in recent years amid high jet fuel prices and growing competition. With some of the industry leaders, Singapore is one of the aviation hubs in Asia. Some of the aerospace industries are expected to try to capitalize on their strength in green technology, and the "Green Pavilion" will make a return this year with the focus on alternative fuels to reduce carbon emissions. The business forums on China and India will be there again and there will be a business forum on Southeast Asia for the first time. The media were allowed a preview of the aerial display this year. Highlights include integrated aerial display by Singapore's F-15SG and F-16C fighter jets to showcase the skills and capabilities of the aircraft and the pilots. The MiG-29N aerial display team from Malaysia will also be making its debut. Australian pilot Tony Blair will be flying the Rebel 300 single propeller aircraft in a stunt aerobatic performance. The "Roulettes" from the Royal Australian Air Force will be part of the aerial display, too.