By Sangeeta Saxena

Singapore. 20 February 2024. It is a Singapore Airshow with a difference this year. No covid clouds but despite volatile geopolitical conditions and global uncertainties, the aerospace industry looked promising with the show opening to teeming crowds, more than a thousand exhibitors from fifty countries, 265 VIP trade delegations and 16 country delegations with China, Czech Republic and South Korea debuting.

“When we met two years ago, we were still in the tentative early days of our recovery from COVID-19.  I spoke about the positive long-term prospects for the aviation and aerospace industries, and Singapore’s commitment to invest in new capabilities, and in our workers.  Two years on, I am glad that the Airshow has returned to full scale, with no restrictions.  We welcome 50,000 trade attendees and over 1,000 participating companies from 50 countries. With the restoration of Public Days, we expect to welcome an additional 60,000 visitors.” emphasised the Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies Heng Swee Keat at the opening ceremony of the show.

It is a positive note as IATA predicts that the number of passengers travelling by air will reach 7 billion in 2024, a jump from 4.5 billion passengers in 2019, Boeing forecasts a global fleet size of 48,000 aircraft in 2042, close to double the current fleet size in the next 20 years which will translate to an annual growth rate of 3.9% in the commercial services market to USD 3.8 trillion(US $).

The Deputy Prime Minister added, “The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be a strong driver. It is home to some of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies, and a growing middle class with increasing demand for air travel. APAC passenger traffic is projected to grow at 4.5% per annum over the next two decades, outpacing all other regions. By 2033, APAC is expected to have the largest fleet size – almost 40% of the global fleet. ”

By 2050, the aviation sector aims to achieve net-zero emissions. Even though the industry has made progress in using technology to cut its carbon emissions, much more needs to be done. We are thrilled to have teamed up with McKinsey for the Sustainable Aviation Forum, where a panel of experts will delve deeply into the opportunities and challenges of sustainable aviation, including technological innovation, regulatory frameworks, and joint R&D efforts aimed at reaching net-zero emissions.

Ravinder Singh, Chairman Experia Events, the organiser stated, “By 2050, the aviation sector aims to achieve net-zero emissions. Even though the industry has made progress in using technology to cut its carbon emissions, much more needs to be done. We are thrilled to have teamed up with McKinsey for the Sustainable Aviation Forum, where a panel of experts will delve deeply into the opportunities and challenges of sustainable aviation, including technological innovation, regulatory frameworks, and joint R&D efforts aimed at reaching net-zero emissions.”

He added that developing a strong talent pipeline is a top concern for the sector. In an effort to spark interest in the aviation sector, Singapore Airshow AeroCampus will host 3,000 students this year. “Only with the resolute assistance of partners and the aerospace industry is this feasible. We express our gratitude once more to US-based Kallman Worldwide for providing the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Space Scholarship, which will enable our young talent to attend the prestigious Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, this July, hosted by the US Space and Rocket Centre,” he said.

As always the thundering skies will be the biggest attraction at the show. The Royal Australian Air Force’s Roulettes, Indian Air Force’s Sarang, Indonesian Air Force’s Jupiter, Republic of Korea Air Force’s Black Eagles and, the United States Air Force’s B-52 (Stratofortress) along with the host Republic of Singapore Air Force, will put up aerial displays.

The cynosure of all eyes will be COMAC’s much-anticipated C919, a narrow-body airliner, and its ARJ21 regional aircraft will also be making their maiden international airshow flights at the Singapore Airshow. OEMs like Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Dassault Aviation and ATR are also present in strength.

Keeping in sync with the global mantra of lessening carbon footprint, delegates were driven to the formal opening by Hyundai’s IONIC 5, the company’s first entirely electric car. In the exhibition hall, there is a Sustainable Networking Zone where all of the booths, furniture, and fixtures are constructed out of recycled and waste materials.

The show as always is with the support of Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Changi Airport Group, the Economic Development Board, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Transport, the Republic of Singapore Air Force, Singapore Tourism Board and the International Air Transport Association.