The Singapore Airshow 2026: A Sky-High Affair

Rising Expectations for Attendance

The Singapore Airshow, a premier aerospace event, is set to soar to new heights in 2026, with expectations of attracting more trade and public visitors than ever before. During a recent press conference on February 1, Mr. Leck Chet Lam, managing director of Experia Events, expressed optimism that the attendance at this tenth edition will surpass the record-setting figures of 2024.

Record-Breaking Turnouts

The 2024 edition of the airshow witnessed nearly 60,000 trade visitors over its first four days, a feat that eclipsed the previous record from 2018 by a noteworthy 10 percent. Opening to the public, the event further attracted over 60,000 additional visitors, underscoring its growing significance in the aerospace calendar. According to Experia Events, the upcoming show is poised to generate similar levels of economic activity and visitor engagement, buoyed by new initiatives such as the inaugural Space Summit.

An Expanded Program

Scheduled from February 3 to 8 at the Changi Exhibition Centre, the 2026 airshow will feature over 1,000 participating companies from more than 50 countries. Notable exhibitors include European aviation giant Airbus, Brazilian aerospace leader Embraer, and the American company Gulfstream. This year, a record 16 country pavilions will be represented, including Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Britain, the United States, and China, taking up more exhibition space than in previous iterations.

Economic Impact and Deal Expectations

The financial implications of the Singapore Airshow are significant. The 2024 show generated over $391 million in spending across various sectors, including travel, lodging, exhibition space, and entertainment. However, when asked about the value of deals anticipated for 2026, Mr. Leck indicated that such information remains confidential at this time.

Notable Deals from 2024

At the last edition, impactful agreements included a provisional deal by Vietnamese budget carrier Vietjet to acquire 20 A330neo wide-body airliners from Airbus, along with Taiwanese carrier Starlux Airlines placing orders for three A330neo wide-body passenger planes and five A350F cargo aircraft.

Introducing the Space Summit

A new feature of the 2026 edition is the Space Summit, set to take place from February 2 to 3 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. This expansion into the domain of space technology places Singapore on the map as a hub for dialogue and collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region.

Innovations from Mid-Tier Aviation Tech Companies

The show will also highlight participation from mid-tier aviation tech companies that will showcase innovations in artificial intelligence, nascent technologies, and the intersection of civil and military aviation technology. Another innovative segment, AeroCampus, is expanding to connect industry partners with students, now including overseas training institutions for the first time.

Record High in Airline Demand

The airshow will take place amid projections that the Asia-Pacific region’s load factor will reach a record high of 84.4% in 2026. With global passenger volumes expected to exceed five billion travelers, the International Air Transport Association forecasts airline net profits to rise to approximately $41 billion, a figure that underscores the air travel industry’s recovery.

Aerial Displays and Thrilling Performances

The aerial displays at the Singapore Airshow 2026 promise to be a feast for the eyes, featuring performances from six air forces, including five international teams. Attendees can expect breathtaking maneuvers from the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s F-16C fighter jet and AH-64D Apache helicopter, along with stunning demonstrations from forces like the Indonesian Air Force’s Jupiter aerobatic team.

Showcasing Advanced Technologies

One of the highlights will include a debut performance by the Royal Australian Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II, which is a remarkable fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Its stunning aerial acrobatics are sure to capture the audience’s imagination and demonstrate technological advancements in military aviation.

Exhibitor Highlights

Among the large exhibitors, ST Engineering will occupy a considerable 2,000-square-meter booth, showcasing innovations across aviation, defense, and smart city domains. The company will present its latest projects involving artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies.

Exciting New Developments

Visitors can look forward to crowd-pleasers like the Terrex infantry fighting vehicle and Taurus electric unmanned ground vehicle. Additionally, the introduction of a contactless immigration and security check system known as AGIL Secure FastPass, along with the DrN-600, ST Engineering’s largest unmanned aircraft system for air cargo to date, marks significant technological advancements.

The Road Ahead

As the countdown to the Singapore Airshow 2026 begins, anticipation continues to build for an event that promises to connect industry leaders, showcase cutting-edge innovations, and celebrate the incredible developments shaping the aviation and aerospace industries. With its expansive programs and groundbreaking features, the airshow is set to be an unforgettable experience for trade and public visitors alike.