Aviation

Singapore Airshow 2018 Connects Global Aviation Stakeholders to Key Opportunities to Drive Change and Shape the Future

SINGAPORE, 4 February 2018 – The Singapore Airshow, Asia’s largest and one of the most
important aerospace and defence exhibitions in the world, is connecting global aviation
stakeholders to key opportunities that drive change and shape the future.
As a key gateway to Asia’s thriving aviation and aerospace industry, the Singapore Airshow
offers a wide range of such key opportunities, including potential business opportunities
presented by 1,062 companies from 50 countries and regions participating in the exhibition.

The Singapore Airshow 2018 is all set to kick off on Tuesday with 1,062 companies participating this year including Airbus, Boeing and Rolls-Royce.

The bi-annual aerospace and defence event will return with the aerobatic displays by local and international teams, which will take place during the trade days (6-9 February) as well as the public days (10-11 February). Although a preview took place on February 4th where people could see them prepare for the big show.

It is Asia’s Largest Aerospace and Defence event where visitors can look forward to a wide range of exciting activities including static aircraft on display and the breathtaking aerobatic flying displays.

The Airshow will also hold conferences and business forums for aerospace industry players as well as a meet-the-pilot session where visitors can take photos and get their autographs.

Reports say that over 13,000 visitors are expected at the event which will be open to the public.

The main attraction of the show will consist of aerobatic performances with pilots from six countries – Singapore, South Korea, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and the United States, taking part this year.

Latest Aviation Marvels on Display
Among the most anticipated element of the Singapore Airshow are an extensive line-up of the
latest aircraft from around the world headlined by the world’s leading fifth generation multi role
fighter – the F-35B Lightning II. This F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant is the
world’s first supersonic STOVL stealth aircraft, and will be showcased at an Airshow in Asia
for the first time. The F-35B will be on static display on all days at Singapore Airshow 2018
from 6 February (Tuesday) to 11 February (Sunday) 2018.

Other military aircraft making their
appearance at an Airshow for the first time in Asia, are the Royal Australian Air Force E-7A
Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning aircraft, the Royal Thai Air Force’s Gripen jet and the United
States Air Force RQ-4B Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

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.