More trade visitors at Singapore Airshow 2018

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Airshow this year recorded a more than 10 per cent increase in trade visitors from some 150 countries and regions as compared to the same aerospace event held two years ago.

In a media release issued on Friday (Feb 9), the event held at the Changi Exhibition Centre also saw 287 VIP delegations, which was comparable to the last show here.

Over 70 per cent of the exhibitors have also committed to returning to the show in 2020.

When the show was last held in 2016, it saw more than 48,200 trade visitors from 143 countries and regions.

No figures however, were revealed on the number and value of business deals inked at the show. A spokesperson for Experia Events said since the last show, many of their exhibitors have kept the size and number of deals confidential.

“From conversations with the exhibitors, one of the key reasons is that many of the deals and collaborations are long-term and thus have strategic importance to the business. As such, confidentiality is important to maintain their competitive edge,” she added.

Some of the deals reported this week include an agreement between Honda Aircraft and European air taxi company Wijet for 16 Hondajets. The deal is estimated to be worth close to US$80 million (S$105.6 million). Boeing also signed deals worth nearly US$1 billion at the show, which covers areas such as parts, maintenance, modification and training.

In particular, the United States had their largest presence at the Singapore Airshow this year where more than 100 companies were featured at the US pavilion. It was earlier reported that top US diplomat Tina Kaidanow said the high-level American representation at the Singapore Airshow underscored the US’ deep commitment to the region.

First-time participants at the show included the Turkish Aerospace Industries. Its vice-president for strategy and technology management Fahrettin Ozturk said their debut has been a fulfilling one that allowed them to introduce their services and products, while establishing strong collaborations in the industry.

Some of the partnerships established at the event saw discussions and showcase of the digital data revolution to drive intelligence across the value-chain in the aviation industry.

Start-ups and potential investors also had a chance to interact with each other at this year’s event. Several new technologies and innovations from start-ups in the Internet of Things, mobility and advanced healthcare were showcased and pitched at the event.

The Singapore Airshow will be open to the public this weekend (Feb 10 and 11), where members of the public can expect more thrilling aerial displays as the Republic of Singapore Air Force launches its 50th anniversary celebrations there. The show will also see one F-15SG and two F-16C fighter aircraft doing an integrated display — the first time that this is done. Out of 15 manoeuvres in a 15-minute segment, six will be performed together and seen by the public for the first time.

But the South Korean aerobatic team The Black Eagles will not be performing at the show after one of its aircraft skidded and crashed into the grass verge at the side of Changi’s Runway 1 on Tuesday.

The next Singapore Airshow in 2020 will be held from February 11 to 16 at the Changi Exhibition Centre.