S'pore Airshow to showcase aviation's best

SINGAPORE - The best and the brightest in aviation will fly into Singapore in February for the region's biggest airshow, where potential plane sales could exceed the US$32 billion (S$40 billion) in orders achieved in 2012.

The six-day event, held every other year, promises to display close to 70 commercial and military aircraft, about 20 more than at the previous exhibition.

Among them is Boeing's star attraction: the 787 Dreamliner.

Rival Airbus may also roll in its superstar, the Airbus 350, sources said. It is now undergoing flight testing in France.

Another highlight of Singapore Airshow 2014 is the quadrotor, a flying robot that is making its first public appearance, said Mr Jimmy Lau, managing director of Experia Events, the show's organiser.

But it will be on display only on the first four days when the show is open only to trade visitors.

The public, however, can look forward to aerobatic flying displays by various teams, including Singapore's Black Knights from the air force. They were a big hit in 2008.

There will also be opportunities to meet the pilots for photographs and autographs.

The airshow is from Feb 11 to 16 and Mr Lau said more than 95 per cent of the exhibition space has been snapped up. While he expects aircraft orders to be announced at the show, airlines and plane-makers are keeping mum.

Mr Lau, however, does not foresee the Singapore event coming anywhere close to the record US$200 billion in aircraft sales sealed at the Dubai Airshow, which ends on Thursday.

The giant orders were made by Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.

"We're not chasing numbers" Mr Lau said. "If we can secure more than the US$32 bi1lion we did at the last show, we will be very happy."

The value of the Singapore event is its ability to bring in top global companies and their top brass, he added.

Airbus spokesman in Asia, Mr Sean Lee, said the airshow "is the most important event on the airshow calendar in the Asia-Pacific region".

It provides "a unique platform" for Airbus to showcase its products and services to airlines in the region, as well as meet other industry representatives, including partners and suppliers.

"Airbus will have a major presence at the show. As always, our chief executive officer and representatives of our top management plan to attend and we will fly in aircraft for the event," he added.

karam@sph.com.sg

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