Singapore Airshow 2018 takes immersive experiences and aerobatic feats to new heights

SINGAPORE, 11 FEBRUARY 2018 – Singapore Airshow 2018 attracted nearly 80,000 visitors for the public day weekend on 10 - 11 February. Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC) hosted visitors from across the world of different ages to marvel at the spectacular aerial display performances and the latest commercial and military aircraft.

Symphony in the Sky

Visitors to the Airshow were treated to the exhilarating aerobatics of the flying display performances including those by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s integrated aerial display team, comprising of an F-15SG with a special livery to commemorate RSAF’s 50th anniversary, along with two F-16Cs fighter jets. They performed 15 exciting manoeuvres, showcasing the high degree of precision and coordination required between the three aircraft. Their stunning routine included six new integrated manoeuvres that was performed for the first time ever in public, such as the 3-Ship Dedication Pass and the Golden Salute.

Other breath-taking flying displays included the Indonesia Air Force (TNI-AU) Jupiter Aerobatic Team’s KT-1B, the U.S. Air Force (USAF)’s F-16 and B-52 Stratofortress, the Sukhoi Su-30MKM from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)’s JAS-39 C/D Gripen, which made their first appearances in Singapore.

First in Asia Displays and Special Appearances

Over at the Static Aircraft Display Area, visitors were given opportunities to get up-close and personal with the wide range of commercial and military aircraft including a special livery RSAF F-15SG a predominantly blue colour scheme that is specially designed and painted to commemorate the RSAF's 50th anniversary.

Other key highlights of the static aircraft display include the F-35B Lightning II, the world’s first supersonic short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) stealth aircraft, making an appearance at an Airshow in Asia for the first time. Other military aircraft that made 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).

There is also a range of business and commercial aircraft which appeared for the first time at an Airshow in Asia. Among them are the Gulfstream G500 and G600 aircraft, Textron Aviation Cessna Citation Longitude, and Embraer’s fourth prototype of a next-generation narrow-body jet – the E-190 E2 prototype. Nicknamed the "profit hunter", the prototype features a tiger's face painted on its nose in a nod to Embraer's respect for Asia. Additionally, the HondaJet, the fastest, highest-flying, quietest, and most fuel-efficient jet in its class, made its debut at the Singapore Airshow.

Furthermore, visitors had the opportunity to interact and receive autographs from the pilots from the RSAF, RTAF, TNI-AU and RMAF at the Meet-the-Pilots sessions. The Singapore Airshow mascots, Captain Leo and Captain Leonette, also made their appearances at the show, taking photos with and delighting visitors.

Technology for Immersive Experiences

With the rise of disruptive and innovative technologies, visitor experience is greatly enhanced. The use of innovative technologies has allowed exhibitors to provide a whole new immersive experience for visitors of all ages to engage and interact with the exhibits through 3-D simulations, virtual reality and augmented reality, in addition to the existing physical mock-ups. An example is ST Engineering’s Live, Virtual and Constructive demonstration, a military training solution which integrates live trainers with augmented reality targets, virtual man-in-the-loop simulators and constructive simulation forces in a networked environment to enhance training realism and effectiveness.

“We are heartened to see the overwhelming support and interest in the sixth edition of the Singapore Airshow, as it draws in exhibitors and visitors alike from all around the world. This goes to show that Singapore is an aviation hub not only to the industry, but also aviation fans around the globe,” said Mr Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events, organisers of Singapore Airshow. “We would also like to thank our stakeholders and partners for their unwavering support, and we look forward to making the upcoming Singapore Airshow 2020 even more exciting and engaging.”

Singapore Airshow 2020 will be held from 11 to 16 February at Changi Exhibition Centre.