Changi, Singapore. 18 February 2024 . Singapore Airshow, Asia’s most influential aerospace and defence exhibition, is taking a bold step towards sustainability as it embraces clearer skies and welcomes a significantly larger gathering of international exhibitors. Returning to a full-scale edition, the event is set to make a strong comeback from 20-25 February 2024 with over 1,000 participating companies from more than 50 countries/ regions, and the return of Weekend@Airshow (formerly known as Public Days).

This year’s lineup is extensive, with 90% of the top 20 global aviation companies in attendance; including well-known exhibitors like Airbus, AVIC, BAE Systems, Boeing, Bombardier, COMAC, Dassault, GE Aerospace, General Dynamics, Honeywell, L3Harris, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Rolls-Royce, RTX, Safran, ST Engineering, Textron Aviation, and Thales; making the event a truly global gathering. Moreover, there will be 16 country pavilions of which China, the Czech Republic and Korea be first-time country pavilions.

As a platform that fosters collaboration and helps chart a transformative course for the aerospace and defence industry, this ninth edition of the Singapore Airshow will see industry leaders, government officials, and military delegations converge at Changi Exhibition Centre to engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and drive strategic conversations on sustainable aviation.

Spectacular flying displays will delight visitors – both trade and families – who will relish seeing the largest number of foreign flying teams performing their aerobatic manoeuvres, as well checking out firsts such as the Indian Air Force’s Sarang aerobatic team; the C919, a narrow-body airliner and the ARJ21 regional jet developed by Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC, which will make their maiden participation at this edition of Singapore Airshow.   

Sustainability at the core of Singapore Airshow 2024

As the aviation industry adapts to the challenges posed by climate change, Singapore Airshow 2024 stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, taking the event’s inclusion of the sustainability message to the next level with a series of strategic forums as well as exhibits.   From electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) by Eve Air Mobility and Wisk Aero to Neste with sustainable aviation fuel, the event will also showcase a slew of sustainable aviation solutions that are commercially ready or in development, to enable collaborations and new partnerships that are key to the broader adoption and scalability of sustainable solutions.

Sustainability and Innovation

AeroForum, Singapore Airshow’s thought-leadership platform, will anchor the event’s commitment to sustainability, diving deep into the industry’s most pressing issues. In collaboration with renowned consultancy McKinsey & Company, the Sustainable Aviation Forum 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. The discussions revolve around crucial topics such as regulatory regimes, technological advancements, and collaborative research and development initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation sector.

Oliver Plogmann, Partner, Singapore, McKinsey & Company noted, “As a platform for the aviation and aerospace sector, Singapore Airshow is a catalyst for collaboration on a global scale.  With the commitment of the industry to be net zero by 2050, such platforms are imperative as they bring together the ideas, innovation, and new technologies that will propel the industry towards a more sustainable future.  We are pleased to contribute to the discussions on sustainable aviation technologies with the industry at Singapore Airshow 2024, as they chart the way forward.”

McKinsey will also lead a breakfast discussion with the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Mr Han Kok Juan, on the subject of sustainability, and the role that the sector in the Asia Pacific region can play as it transforms to meet the 2050 goal.

A further three sessions in AeroForum will dive into other key areas which include innovation in the industry.

  • Aviation CEO Forum: A collaborative endeavour with FlightGlobal, this forum convenes senior executives from BOC Aviation, CFM International as well as RiyadhAir and ZipAir Tokyo to debate on the pace of recovery, business resilience, network, and fleet optimisation, and the uptake of sustainable aviation solutions around the world.
  • Advanced Air Mobility: In partnership with Alton Aviation Consultancy, this series of four panel discussions will spotlight Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a new and emerging mode of air transportation that has the potential to revolutionise the way we move people and goods, with input from Air Asia, Archer Aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Eve Air Mobility, Lilium, Vertical Aerospace and Wisk Aero. 
  • China-Singapore Bilateral Aviation Forum: Presented in partnership with the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics (CSAA) and Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) (AAIS), two panel discussions will focus on innovation and international cooperation, MRO and advanced manufacturing with panellists from AAR Group, Auxitrol Weston, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China and Eaton Aerospace.

Mr Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia, organiser of Singapore Airshow 2024 said, “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.”

Singapore Airshow’s commitment to sustainability extends through the entire event’s operations. For the first time, it has partnered with Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore, who will provide a fleet of IONIQ 5 electric vehicles for delegates attending the event. Not only is the IONIQ 5 an eco-friendly mode of transportation, it is also assembled locally in Singapore, underlining Hyundai’s shared vision of sustainable mobility for the future. Also for the first time, Singapore Airshow has also partnered with CarbonClick, a New Zealand based technology company providing carbon offsetting solutions for businesses and individuals, to enable attendees to offset the environmental impact of their travel in a simple, transparent and meaningful way through purchasing high-quality carbon offsets to fund climate projects such as native reforestation and clean energy development. 

Innovation

Innovation will also take centrestage at Singapore Airshow 2024.  As part of its commitment to foster innovation and support the industry’s drive towards transformation, What’s Next@Singapore Airshow, has partnered with Starburst, the world’s first global aerospace and defence start-up accelerator, to showcase revolutionary technologies by 41 talented start-ups from more than 15 countries/ regions including Australia, India, Netherlands, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Potential investors, accelerators, and corporate partners can expect to hear concepts in innovative technologies that span sustainability, dual-use applications and digitalisation.

Cultivating the talent pipeline

Beyond strategic conversations and cutting-edge tech showcases, Singapore Airshow aims to provide a platform to groom qualified talent in the aerospace and defence sector. AeroCampus expects to host over 3,000 students from secondary schools and tertiary institutions, with programmes that span career talks and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) workshops by Rolls Royce; and Student Ambassador Programmes organised by  Bell, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Hope Technik, Lufthansa Technik, Republic of Singapore Air Force, and Rolls Royce. In addition, the Endeavor Space Challenge, which runs in collaboration with Science Centre Singapore and US-based Kallman Worldwide; and the Innovation Hangar Challenge which is a collaboration with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) also returns to engage with the next generation of young talents and help them gain insights on the breath of opportunities available in the sector.  

Perks at the Singapore Airshow

Trade and family visitors to the Singapore Airshow can also enjoy various perks through AeroPerks, a proprietary rewards programme created in appreciation for all who attend.  It offers over 70 uniquely local and sustainable brands that are thoughtfully curated across six categories in retail, wellness, local experiences, attractions, F&B and hospitality.  Attendees can enjoy exclusive discounts and enjoy unforgettable experiences that extend beyond the conclusion of the event simply by showing their Singapore Airshow 2024 trade pass or public tickets at the point of sale.  AeroPerks features local and sustainable merchants across categories such as Hot Deals, Local Flavours (including brands like Killiney Coffee and The Golden Duck), and Sustainable Deals (such as Pecobag and Pod Labs).

Family-friendly fun at the Singapore Airshow 2024

The return of the highly anticipated Weekend@Airshow segment (formerly known as Public Days), on 24 and 25 February, after a four-year hiatus adds an extra layer of excitement to the event. This family-friendly experience will see the public enjoy aviation wonders firsthand, including the high-speed precision manoeuvres by aerobatic flying teams, and check out static displays of the latest military aircraft.  Fans, young and not so young will also be able to meet and get autographs of pilots after the flying displays at Weekend@Airshow.

Meet and greet with Singapore Airshow’s Mascots, Leo and Leonette as well as a variety of Cosplayers will make for cool selfies and wefies, while music performed by Pacific Air Forces Band from the United States will entertain and engage visitors through the two days. Activities planned for kids also include airplane-making with recycled cardboard,  photo-booth, temporary tattoos etc .  All up, there will be lots to see, do and enjoy at the much-awaited Weekend@Airshow.

Flying Display timings

The flying displays will be held once a day at 12:30pm on 20 February, 11:30am on 21 and 22 February; while during Weekend@Airshow (formerly known as Public Days), it will be held twice a day at 11:30am and 2:30pm on 24 and 25 February. Members of the public can also view the flying displays via a livestream at Singapore Airshow 2024 (singaporeairshowlive.gov.sg). However, these schedule and timings are subject to changes and attendees are advised to check the Singapore Airshow website for the latest update.