The Singapore Airshow 2022 has been officially opened today by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen and Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, Mr S Iswaran, at the Changi Exhibition Centre, Singapore.
The biennial event takes place from today until Friday (February 15-18 2022). More than 13,000 trade attendees and almost 600 participating companies from more than 39 countries/regions are expected to attend the eighth edition of the event, representing more than 70 per cent of the top 20 global aerospace companies.
Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of show organiser Experia said: “We are heartened by the support and participation of the most influential aerospace and defence companies worldwide. Their presence displays the industry’s resilience and confidence for blue skies ahead. The stage is set for strategic conversations, exchange of ideas and significant partnerships that will catalyse the recovery of the industry in Asia.”
Sustainability and Covid recovery in the spotlight
The show will put the spotlight on sustainability and recovery for the aviation industry. The company has partnered with Alton Aviation Consultancy to present the inaugural “Sustainable Aviation Forum” on February 16 and 17. Experts from public and private sectors will discuss challenges and opportunities within sustainable aviation, including the topic of sustainability of future technology in areas of air mobility and aviation operations. Focus areas include the roles of regulators, innovations in engine technology, sustainable aviation fuel, and maintenance, repair and overhaul.
Executives from Avolon, BOC Aviation, CFM International, Malaysia Airlines and Rex Airlines, will discuss and debate the pace of market recovery, business resilience and sustainable aviation solutions at the event’s Aviation CEO Forum. Organised in association with FlightGlobal, the platform presents thought leaders the opportunity to exchange views on the optimism in Asia Pacific’s projected growth and how industry players can build a better future together.
Aviation industry has “proven its resilience”
Leck added: “The aviation industry has proven its resilience by overcoming numerous obstacles over the years. The presence of major exhibitors, partners and trade attendees is evidence of the collective optimism for recovery. We are proud to be rolling out the red carpet for critical conversations, strategic partnerships and new ideas that will catalyse the transformation and rebound of the aerospace and defence sector.”
Singapore Airshow has also adopted sustainability efforts by going largely paperless with the show directory evolving into an electronic format and an online digital media centre created to minimise printing. The event is also powered by solar energy generated from 15,000 panels installed on the roof of the Changi Exhibition Centre. Leck added, “We are playing our part in advocating for more eco-friendly events, and taking intentional steps to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Attendees will be treated to flying displays and flypasts from four air forces and two commercial companies. Members of the public can also catch the action via a livestream which can be accessed here or via Singapore Airshow’s Official Facebook page.
Flight display line-up includes new and returning displays
The Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft – Tejas will be appearing at the show for the first time. Indonesia’s Jupiter Aerobatic Team will be returning, following their performance in 2018, with a six-plane repertoire. The line-up of flying displays also includes the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s F-16C and AH-64D Apache attack helicopters, as well as the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter and B-52 Stratofortress from the United States Marine Corps and United States Air Force respectively. Airbus’ A350-1000 and Boeing’s wide-bodied B777-9 are also scheduled to conduct flypasts.
Singapore Airshow 2022 has been identified as one of the country’s pilot events to trial new protocols at conferences, meetings and exhibitions including a higher event capacity and daily COVID-19 testing, to put the country on a strong footing for recovery.
Leck added: “We are excited that Singapore Airshow 2022 was able to proceed and are thankful for the collaborative efforts with authorities in upholding our attendees’ safety with highest priority. All attendees will have to be pre-registered, fully-vaccinated with the World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing (WHO EUL) vaccines and adhere to the prevailing safe management measures. These include mandatory mask-wearing, safe distancing protocols, designated food and beverage zones and regular disinfection of event spaces.”
Global names and new exhibitors
Singapore has gradually reopened its borders, including through Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) for travellers from more than 20 countries. The event will be attended by some of the industry’s top names including Airbus, Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Bell, Boeing, Eaton Corporation, Israel Aerospace Industries, L3Harris Technologies, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, Rafael Advanced Defense, Rolls-Royce, Safran, ST Engineering, Thales, and Turkish Aerospace continue to support the Singapore Airshow 2022.
New exhibitors representing a wide spectrum of aerospace and defence products such as Avnon Group from Israel, Diethelm Keller Aviation from Switzerland, Essentium from USA, Shell Aviation from Singapore and Volocopter from Germany have also confirmed their participation.
