Many Firsts For 3rd Edition Of the Singapore Air Show

The third edition of the Singapore Air Show, Asia’s largest and one of the three most important aerospace and defence exhibitions in the world will feature the first-ever integrated Land Defence and Unmanned Systems Pavilion, showcasing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and high-tech land-based defence products and technologies. The show will commence from 14-19 February 2012 with more than 900 exhibitors from 50 countries, and 266 delegations from 80 countries coming together to strike new deals, make key announcements and share industry insights. The show will attract a large number of high level delegations from the Asia-Pacific region as well as globally. Over 70% of exhibitors are returning exhibitors, with 60 of the top 100 aerospace companies represented. Some 20 airline and industry association CEOs will also be present during the show week. The covered exhibition space has increased to 50,000 sqm this year at Changi Exhibition Centre, with over 65 of the latest military aircraft, passenger airliners and luxury business jets on display over 100,000 sqm of outdoor space as well as participating in the aerial display. There will also be 22 national/group pavilion; including, for the first time, Japan and Ukraine Pavilions. The Green Pavilion this year will add a new component called 'Deminars' (seminars and demonstrations combined) as the pavilion makes its return with a focus on alternative fuels to reduce carbon emissions. 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 while other conferences will include the Singapore Air Show Aviation Leadership Summit (SAALS) and the Asia Pacific Security Conference (APSEC). Lim Kok Kiang, executive director, transport engineering, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), "This week, we anticipate several announcements to be made on new investments to Singapore. The continued growth and success of the show 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". The Republic of Singapore Air Force's aerial display will include (RSAF) F-15SG and F-16C in a first of its kind integrated aerial display showcasing the skills and capabilities of its pilots and aircraft; and making their Singapore debut is the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) MiG-29N aerial display team, the "Smokey Bandits". Other firsts at this year's show include Australian pilot Tony Blair of Blair Aerosports flying the Rebel 300 single propeller aircraft in the first stunt aerobatic performance in the history of air show in Singapore. Also set to thrill audiences will be the "Roulettes" from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).