Singapore Airshow 2014 the largest yet: Organiser

SINGAPORE - This year's Singapore Airshow, Asia's largest and one of the most important aerospace and defence exhibitions in the world, promises to be its biggest yet.

It will have the largest number of exhibiting companies, including more than 60 of the world's top 100 aerospace companies, and the largest number of exhibitors in the show's history, with over 1,000 participating companies from 47 countries/regions.

Over 70 per cent are returning exhibitors, bearing testimony to the value the show brings to them. The event will also feature 22 country/group pavilions, including new pavilions such as Hong Kong and Malaysia. The Hong Kong pavilion will feature new exhibitors such as China Aircraft Services Limited (CASL), the Hong Kong Aviation Industry Association (HKAIA) and Topcast. Malaysia will be showcasing its home-grown exhibitors under a pavilion by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

The Singapore Airshow 2014 takes place from February 11 to 16 at the Changi Exhibition Centre.

Singapore Airshow 2014 will also see increased participation from Japan. Besides the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Chubu region will also organise pavilions featuring aerospace companies from their regions. New exhibitors at the event include Alpha Star Aviation Services from Saudi Arabia, Aero AT (Jiang Su) Aviation Technology from China, ExecuJet Aviation Group from Switzerland, and Jetcraft from the UK who will be showcasing their latest products and services to visitors.

The Singapore Airshow 2014 also features the largest ever number of aircraft on display.

A key highlight will be the Airbus A350XWB, which marks its first full display at an international airshow. The A350XWB will perform its first ever airshow flying display on February 11 and 12. Its participation at Singapore Airshow will enable visitors to get a close-up look at the aircraft both on the ground and in the air, with a flying display that will demonstrate its manoeuvrability, sleek design and exceptionally low noise levels.

Visitors to Singapore Airshow 2014 can also look forward to a world class flying display, with a record number of flying display participants in the history of airshows in Singapore. They will perform in a stunning 60-minute display on trade days from February 11 to 14 , with an additional 30 minutes of flying display on the public days on February 15 and 16. The flying display includes performances by three aerobatic teams from Singapore, the Republic of Korea and Indonesia, the largest number of aerobatic teams ever at Singapore Airshow. The participation of Singapore's very own RSAF Black Knights, flying six F-16C Fighting Falcons in Singapore's traditional white and red colours, is also part of the RSAF's 45th anniversary celebrations at Singapore Airshow. In addition, there will be solo aerobatics performances by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Yak-130.

Mr Jimmy Lau, Managing Director of Experia Events, organiser of Singapore Airshow, said: "Singapore Airshow 2014 is set to be our biggest yet and promises exhibitors, delegates and visitors an excellent experience. As with our previous editions, we have sold out all our exhibition space. This year, we have seen an increased number of exhibitors such as Pilatus, UAC, Airbus, Embraer and Bombardier taking up outdoor spaces and customising them to their needs. Exhibitors such as SAAB, Rolls-Royce and United Technologies Corporation are building double-storey exhibition booths indoors to maximise their floor space."

He added: "We are confident that with the strong aviation traffic growth in the region and the continued support of our exhibitors, sponsors, partners and participants, Singapore Airshow 2014 will maintain its standing as the premier platform for companies to grow their business in Asia."

candicec@sph.com.sg