Aviation

A Glimpse from Singapore Airshow 2024

The much-anticipated Weekend@Airshow, formerly recognized as the Singapore Airshow Public Day, has kicked off in full swing. Regarded as the quintessential Airshow in Asia, it has drawn aviation aficionados and industry leaders from across the globe.

Showcasing an impressive array of static displays, attendees can marvel at the latest offerings such as COMAC’s cutting-edge C919 and ARJ21 Aircraft, as well as the iconic E195-E2 profit hunter by Embraer. Moreover, the excitement continues with captivating flying displays featuring highlights like the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) Black Eagles. With such diverse offerings, there’s something to captivate every aviation enthusiast at this unparalleled event.

Static Displays

With a plethora of state of the art static display assets operated by a wide range of companies, there is no doubt that there will be something for everyone to view. Let’s take a look at a few of the most iconic static display assets.

Embraer E195-E2 (Tech Eagle)

With the face of an eagle at the front of the aircraft, this is probably one of the most iconic livery ever to be on an aircraft! Furthermore, you could get up close with the aircraft, providing you with an amazing photo opportunity!

COMAC C919/ARJ21

The C919 jet is a symbolic jet for Chinese Aviation as it signifies China’s attempt at breaking the Airbus-Boeing Duopoly. The world’s first C919 is currently on static display. The ARJ21 has 2 variants on display, mainly the passenger and freighter variant.

RSAF Aster 30

One of the newest assets in the RSAF to have achieved Full Operational Capacity just last year, the Aster 30, operated by 163 SQN serves as a component in RSAF’s Island Air Defence System

Flying Displays

With the Singapore Airshow 2024 featuring a wide variety of flying displays with 6 aerial displays planned, it provides a unique opportunity for aviation enthusiasts and the public to catch a glimpse of the aircraft performing acrobatic acts!

COMAC ARJ21

Painted in a ‘COMAC Express Special Livery, the ARJ21 is a regional jet manufactured by COMAC and is currently in active service with multiple Chinese carriers, together with Indonesian Airline Transnusa.

ROKAF T-50

One of the most iconic demonstration teams in the world, the ROKAF Black Eagles would provide a jaw-dropping display, which is bound to captivate both geeks and non-avgeeks alike.

HAL Dhruv

Flown by the Sarang Demonstration Team, this versatile helicopter has been used for humanitarian and aerobatics purposes. With its unique colour scheme of a peacock, this helicopter would definitely captivate its audience!

Activities at the airshow

Crafting Eco Friendly Paper Planes

Unleash your creativity by creating your own eco-friendly paper plane! From recycled materials such as used toilet rolls, to even ice cream sticks and things which are commonly found in a house, you could craft your own paper plane!

Catch RSAF CPT Ted

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s mascot, Captain Ted makes his appearance at the airshow! With multiple opportunities both at the RSAF Booth and Static Display area, this is a chance to not be missed!

Giveaways/Meet and Greet with Pilots

Ever wanted to meet your favourite pilots and flight crew? Well, here’s your chance! During meet and greet sessions, there might be giveaways of special items such as limited edition aircraft models, or even unique patches!

Explore booths from multiple aerospace companies, and get to see the latest technological advancements!

Ever wondered what the future of aviation holds? Well, fret not! Inside the Exhibition hall, there are booths from a wide variety of aviation corporations from manufacturers to defence contractors.

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

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China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.