Aviation

Singapore Airshow 2024: What to Expect?

With the highly anticipated Singapore Airshow 2024 (SA2024) opening its doors to trade
visitors in a little more than a week, most of the itinerary for the airshow has been released.
As public access to the previous two airshows was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
it is anticipated that there would be a strong public interest, especially amongst the aviation
enthusiasts in the region.
Notable Differences
One of the most notable differences would be the absence of Boeing’s Commercial Arm,
Boeing Commercial Airplanes from the Airshow. According to a news release by Boeing,
Boeing Commercial Airplanes would only be ‘presenting an immersive display of the 777X
cabin experience highlighting its spacious and flexible architecture’. This comes as no
surprise, especially given the recent unfortunate incidents involving their airplanes. Instead,
Boeing seems to be focusing on showcasing its defense technology, with the manufacturer
displaying a wide variety of jets, such as the B-52 Stratofortress, F-15, and AH-64E, just to
name a few.
8 Aerial Displays
SA2024 is set to have the largest number of foreign flying teams in its history! Consisting of
6 Air Force displays and 2 Commercial displays, SA2024 would be the first time where the
Chinese Aircraft manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) will
be making its international airshow debut. This is one of the steps COMAC would be taking
to compete with Airbus and Boeing, namely in the narrowbody market with the C919. Indian
Air Force’s (IAF) Sarang Aerobatic Team would be performing with their indigenously
manufactured HAL Dhruv at the Airshow for the first time. For Military Aviation
Photographers, the United States Air Force B-52 Stratofortress would also be making a
flypast on 22nd February!
Static Displays
Consisting of a plethora of Business, Commercial and Military Aircraft on display, there are a
few airframes that stand out to us. COMAC will be displaying the ARJ21 for the first time at
SA2024 for the first time, alongside the C919. The indigenously developed ARJ21 has been
in service for approximately 7 years, not only serving airlines in Mainland China but also
TransNusa in Indonesia. Embraer, a Brazilian Airplane Manufacturer is also sending their
C390 Millennium to SA2024 for the first time. The C390 has in recent years scored orders
from Air Forces of multiple countries as a replacement for their aging C130. Marketed as a
jet-powered alternative to Lockheed’s Iconic C130 Hercules, multiple Air Forces such as
South Korea, Netherlands, and Austria have placed orders for the C390.

Looking at the list of participating aircraft for the Singapore Airshow 2024, we can’t help but
be excited for both the flying and static display. With the airshow poised to return back to its
pre-pandemic turnout, we would be expecting some pretty lively moments at the airshow.
See you at the Singapore Airshow 2024!

Aviation

Egypt has signed an agreement with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets

Egypt has become the second country, after Pakistan, to order China’s Chengdu J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets, marking a significant shift in its military strategy.

The announcement, made during the inaugural Egypt International Air Show from September 3 to 5 at El Alamein International Airport, reveals Egypt’s intent to replace its aging fleet of U.S. F-16s.

The J-10C, a highly capable 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet, was showcased by China for the first time on African soil during the air show. It features advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, making it a formidable alternative to Egypt’s current fleet.

Known for its air superiority missions, the J-10C has often been compared to the American F-16, which has been the backbone of the Egyptian Air Force since the 1980s.

However, with Egypt’s F-16s now considered outdated against modern air defense systems, the decision to transition to the Chinese fighters underscores a major upgrade in Egypt’s combat capabilities.

This move not only signals Egypt’s intent to reduce its reliance on U.S. defense systems but also reflects a broader shift in its international alliances.

Despite a long-standing defense relationship with the U.S., evidenced by a recent acquisition of C-130J Hercules transport aircraft through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, Egypt is clearly looking eastward.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over U.S. policies in the Middle East, including its stance on Israeli operations in Gaza, which may have influenced Cairo’s pivot to Chinese military technology.

China’s increasing presence in the Middle East and North Africa is bolstered by such deals, as Beijing continues to expand its influence through military cooperation and economic partnerships, particularly in energy imports.

The Egypt International Air Show provided a platform for showcasing this growing military-industrial relationship.