After the two previous shows were significantly impacted by COVID-19, the ninth edition of the event, being held at the Changi Exhibition Centre, is back in business.
The 2024 edition of the biennial event kicked off on Tuesday and will run over three days, with the weekend dedicated to displays for Singapore’s public.
Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia, the organiser of the event told media that the show has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, with more than 1,000 participating companies and 50,000 trade visitors expected to attend.
“As the aviation sector returns with a strong growth trajectory, the global platform and vibrant marketplace that Singapore Airshow offers will be critical as the industry seeks the solutions, ideas and partners that will help it navigate the challenges ahead,” he said.
Highlights on Day One included a strong presence by Chinese aircraft manufacturers, with no fewer than three airliners on display in the static park, and a further two participating in the daily flying display.
From a military standpoint, China’s Changhe Z-10ME attack helicopter makes its international debut at Singapore 2024, complete with a wide range of air to ground weapons. This latest version of the Z-10ME, the Z-10ME-02, boasts a millimetre-wave Fire Control Radar and active missile defence systems.
Perhaps with a nod to the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s C-130 Hercules replacement program in the future; Airbus has an A400M from the German Air Force on show and Embraer’s C-390 Millenium – making its debut at a Singapore Airshow – was also parked nearby. Not to be completely outdone, Lockheed Martin has a model of its C-130J-30 Hercules in RSAF markings on display in its chalet.
In other news ST Engineering is displaying its newly-launched Terrex s5 Infantry Fighting Vehicle in the trade halls. This latest version of the Terrex 8x8 family of armoured vehicles offers customers the option of a hybrid electric drive and what ST Engineering calls advanced ‘vetronics’ – vehicle electronics systems.