Singapore Airshow opens for Business

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Singapore Airshow 2012, Asia’s largest and one of the three most important aerospace and defence exhibitions in the world, returns from 14 – 19 February 2012 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. In its third edition Singapore Airshow continues to grow hosting more than 900 exhibitors from 50 countries, and 266 delegations from 80 countries attending. Singapore Airshow 2012 is set to be the biggest one yet. Covered exhibition
space has increased to 50,000 sqm this year, with over 65 of the latest military aircraft, passenger airliners and luxury business jets on display over 100,000sqm of outdoor space as well as participating in the aerial display. There will also be 22 national/group pavilions, including, for the first time, Japan and Ukraine Pavilions.

The Singapore Airshow continues to attract a large number of high level delegations from the Asia-Pacific region as well as globally. Over 70% of exhibitors are returning exhibitors, bearing testimony to the strong vote of confidence the event receives year on year, with 60 of the top 100 aerospace companies represented. Some 20 airline and industry association CEOs will also be present during show week.

“Singapore Airshow is the premier aviation event in Asia, and an ideal platform for leading companies, top airlines, industry experts and government officials to exchange ideas and explore new opportunities. This week, we anticipate several announcements to be made on new investments to Singapore. The continued growth and success of Singapore Airshow is a good measure of our efforts to strengthen Singapore’s position as the leading
aerospace hub in Asia-Pacific, and we are delighted Singapore remains the choice location for leading aerospace companies seeking to establish a presence in this part of the world”, said Mr Lim Kok Kiang, Executive Director, Transport Engineering, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).

Visitors can look forward to several special showcases at this year’s show. To reflect the growth of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) market globally, Singapore Airshow 2012 will feature the first integrated Land Defence and Unmanned Systems Pavilion, showcasing UAVs, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and high-tech land-based defence products and technologies. In addition, the Green Pavilion
will make a return, with a focus on alternative fuels to reduce carbon emissions. This year’s Green Pavilion will include a newly added component called ‘Deminars’ (seminars and demonstrations combined). In addition to the popular Business Forums on China and India, this year’s show will feature the inaugural Southeast Asia Business Forum, to help companies understand procurement opportunities and make inroads into key growth
markets.

Singapore Airshow continues to demonstrate its thought leadership through its highly anticipated key conferences, the Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit (SAALS) and the Asia Pacific Security Conference (APSEC). SAALS and APSEC will provide a platform for government, military and industry leaders to address challenges and discuss issues facing aviation and regional peace and security.

Mr Jimmy Lau, Managing Director of Experia Events, organizer of the Singapore Airshow, said: “Response to this year’s show has been very positive and we are delighted that Singapore Airshow continues to be the event of choice for major players from across the aviation spectrum to network, exchange ideas and explore business opportunities. Despite current economic uncertainties, we will be putting on our biggest show yet. This is a
promising sign of things to come for the industry and especially for the Asia-Pacific region.”

“The Asia-Pacific is leading the way in growth for the aviation industry worldwide, and Singapore, with its strategic position in the heart of Asia, plays a crucial role as a springboard into this thriving region. We are confident that this year’s show will be a fruitful one that will open new doors for all our visitors,” commented Mr Lau.