The Singapore Airshow 2022 kicks off with strong optimism for industry recovery and a focus on sustainability. The biennial event will see aviation’s finest gather from all around the world at the Changi Exhibition Centre from 15 to 18 February. This eighth edition will see more than 13,000 trade attendees and almost 600 participating companies from more than 39 countries/regions: representing more than 70% of the top 20 global aerospace companies.
In line with the global agenda on climate change, Singapore Airshow 2022 has partnered with Alton Aviation Consultancy to present the inaugural “Sustainable Aviation Forum” on 16 and 17 February. Experts from public and private sectors will discuss challenges and opportunities within sustainable aviation, including the topic of sustainability of future technology in areas of air mobility and aviation operations. Focus areas include the roles of regulators, innovations in engine technology, sustainable aviation fuel, and maintenance, repair and overhaul.
The recovery of the aviation industry is another topic that takes centre-stage at this year’s Airshow. Top executives from Avolon, BOC Aviation, CFM International, Malaysia Airlines and Rex Airlines, will discuss and debate the pace of market recovery, business resilience and sustainable aviation solutions at the “Aviation CEO Forum”. Organised in association with FlightGlobal, this platform presents thought leaders the opportunity to exchange views on the optimism in Asia Pacific’s projected growth and how industry players can link arms to build a better future.
“The aviation industry has proven its resilience by overcoming numerous obstacles over the years. The presence of major exhibitors, partners and trade attendees is evidence of the collective optimism for recovery,” said Mr Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia, organiser of Singapore Airshow 2022. “We are proud to be rolling out the red carpet for critical conversations, strategic partnerships and new ideas that will catalyse the transformation and rebound of the aerospace and defence sector.”
Singapore Airshow has also adopted sustainability efforts by going largely paperless – which is atypical of airshows. The traditionally printed show directory has evolved into an electronic format, and online platforms such as a digital media centre have been created to minimise printing. The event is also powered by solar energy generated from 15,000 panels installed on the roof of the Changi Exhibition Centre. Mr Leck added, “We are playing our part in advocating for more eco-friendly events, and taking intentional steps to reduce our carbon footprint.”
BREATH-TAKING AERIAL DISPLAYS
Singapore Airshow 2022 attendees will be treated to flying displays and flypasts from four air forces and two commercial companies. Members of the public can also catch the action from the comfort and safety of their homes via the livestream that can be accessed via www.go.gov.sg/sa22live or Singapore Airshow’s Official Facebook page.
Appearing in Singapore Airshow for the first time is the Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft – Tejas. Returning to perform since the 2018 edition is Indonesia’s Jupiter Aerobatic Team, which will thrill audiences with a six-plane repertoire. The line-up of flying displays also includes the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s F-16C and AH-64D Apache attack helicopters, as well as the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter and B-52 Stratofortress from the United States Marine Corps and United States Air Force respectively. Airbus’ A350-1000 and Boeing’s wide-bodied B777-9 are also slated to conduct flypasts.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
To pave the way for the safe and calibrated resumption of larger meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) events in 2022, Singapore Airshow 2022 has been identified as one of the MICE pilot events to trial new protocols, including a higher event capacity and daily COVID-19 testing.
“We are excited that Singapore Airshow 2022 was able to proceed and are thankful for the collaborative efforts with authorities in upholding our attendees’ safety with highest priority,” Mr Leck commented. “All attendees will have to be pre-registered, fully-vaccinated with the World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing (WHO EUL) vaccines and adhere to the prevailing safe management measures. These include mandatory mask-wearing, safe distancing protocols, designated food and beverage zones and regular disinfection of event spaces.”
With Singapore gradually reopening its borders, including through Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) for travellers from more than 20 countries, key industry players like Airbus, Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Bell, Boeing, Eaton Corporation, Israel Aerospace Industries, L3Harris Technologies, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, Rafael Advanced Defense, Rolls-Royce, Safran, ST Engineering, Thales, and Turkish Aerospace continue to ink their support and participation at Singapore Airshow 2022. New exhibitors representing a wide spectrum of aerospace and defence products such as Avnon Group from Israel, Diethelm Keller Aviation from Switzerland, Essentium from USA, Shell Aviation from Singapore and Volocopter from Germany have also confirmed their participation.
EXTENDING THE EXPERIENCE
Singapore Airshow 2022 has partnered with Klook to provide deals in dining, leisure, cultural activities. AeroPerks, Singapore Airshow’s proprietary privilege programme, has been extended beyond Singapore Airshow attendees to include associates in Singapore’s aerospace sector.
While there are no public days, Singapore Airshow 2022 continues to engage with its fans through AeroQuiz – a trivia quiz opened to all Singapore residents.
Mr Leck shared, “It is our honour to once again welcome Singapore Airshow attendees from across the globe. We wish everyone a safe and rewarding time with renewed hope for the future of aviation.”
