Singapore Airshow’s Strongest Trade Attendance Signals Strong Recovery in the APAC Region
25 Feb 2024
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Photo: Aerophotoworks for AAIS
Held at the Changi Exhibition Centre from 20-23 February 2024, Singapore Airshow 2024, Asia’s most influential aerospace and defence event, announced an unparallelled trade attendee turnout at its ninth edition. The record number of nearly 60,000 trade visitors marks a 10% rise from the previous high in the 2018 show. This reflects a renewed optimism and recovery in the aerospace landscape in the Asia Pacific region that is expected to represent more than 45% of upcoming aircraft deliveries from 2023 to 2042.
Since its establishment in 2008, the Singapore Airshow has played a key role in promoting collaboration and shaping the future of the aerospace and defense sector. Every edition brings together industry leaders, government officials, and military delegations from around the world to connect and share insights at the Changi Exhibition Centre.
“We are delighted to announce this overwhelming response for this edition; it clearly signals a renewed optimism and momentum driving the sector forward. It certainly reaffirms Singapore Airshow’s role as a catalytic platform for industry sector professionals worldwide in the global arena to convene and draw up tomorrow’s agenda,” said Mr Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director, Experia, organiser of Singapore Airshow.
AeroForum, the thought-leadership forum of the Singapore Airshow, featured the largest number of strategic conversations through nine panel discussions with 36 panel speakers and 10 moderators. Nearly 600 trade attendees participated in the event. In partnership with five respected industry collaborators – Alton Aviation Consultancy, Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore), Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Flight Global, and McKinsey & Company – a diverse array of topics including aviation leadership, sustainable aviation, advanced air mobility, and China-Singapore Bilateral Aviation were explored.
China-Singapore Bilateral Aviation Forum on 22 February 2024. Photo: AAIS
Panel Discussion at Starburst's "Realising Innovations on Aviation" Workshop at Aeroforum. Photo: AAIS
During the Singapore Airshow, a significant number of important announcements were made over the four trade days, with a particular focus on achieving decarbonisation targets. Airbus demonstrated its dedication to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, pushing for advancements in sustainable aviation fuel production. They also revealed an agreement with TotalEnergies which will supply Airbus with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for over half of their European needs. Moreover, Airbus disclosed plans for a hydrogen-powered aircraft set to launch by 2035. Singapore’s proposal for a levy to boost sustainable aviation fuel also garnered substantial attention, showcasing the industry’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Boeing outlined its plans for autonomous flights by 2030, while Embraer announced a strategic alliance with Scoot, making it the first airline in the Asia Pacific to embrace Embraer’s Collaborative Inventory Planning solution. This unique programme optimizes inventory levels to reduce operational costs for customers.
Multiple Asia-based airlines have also made significant aircraft orders recently:
Starlux Airlines ordered five Airbus A350 freighters and three A330neo widebody passenger jets for their fleet expansion.
Vietjet Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus to acquire 20 A330-900 widebodies.
China’s ARJ21 and C919 jet, introduced internationally by Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC), attracted considerable interest, leading to Tibet Airlines securing a 50-plane deal.
Thai Airways and Royal Brunei Airlines also revealed orders for 45 and four Boeing 787 Dreamliners, respectively.