(Photos: Michael Ozaki)
Pre-opening press conference by the Economic Development Board (EDB) Executive Vice President Ms Cindy Koh and highlights by ST Engineering – the largest exhibitor at this year’s Air Show – showcase its latest advancements and new innovations in the areas of aviation, defence and Smart City tech
SINGAPORE is home to globally leading aerospace companies and has one of Asia’s largest and most diverse aerospace ecosystems. In a media conference on 18th February 2024 at the Changi Exhibition Centre – the home to the Singapore Air Show 2024, the EDB’s Executive Vice President Ms Cindy Koh described in greater detail the republic’s aviation ecosystem: There are over 130 aerospace companies in Singapore, including local small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) suppliers, undertaking activities across Research & Development (R&D); manufacturing; maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO); and aftermarket services.
She said, “Singapore is known to be a trusted location for manufacturing of mission-critical components like engine components and avionics. We are also a place where MRO is performed for major engine platforms from top Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) which include GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney and CFM International.”
She also added that aerospace is an attractive industry for Singaporeans. Today, 7 in 10 aerospace jobs are taken up by locals. The global aerospace industry is poised for growth. International passenger traffic has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels and is projected to more than double by 2040. The global order backlog of passenger aircraft reached a record high of more than 5,900 aircraft at the end of last year.
Global MRO market is expected to grow more than 33% between 2023 and 2033, as existing aircraft stay in service for longer.
In particular, Asia Pacific is expected to be a strong driver of growth – it is a region with the largest and fastest growing economies and there is a rising middle class with increasing demand for air travel. Passenger traffic in Asia Pacific is projected to have a 4.5% annual growth rate over the next two decades, outpacing the other regions. It is also expected that by 2033 Asia Pacific will have the largest fleet size – more than 40% of the total fleet globally.
ST Engineering Showcase
The ST Engineering Group’s extensive engineering and multi-disciplinary capabilities were shown to the press on 18th Febraurary in a preview showing and medi conference that showcased the company’s capabilities in meeting an aircraft’s total lifecycle needs, future battlefield technologies and technologies that help cities overcome their urban challenges. Many of these solutions incorporate leading-edge digital technologies such as advanced analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, robotics as well as cybersecurity, reflecting the Group’s strategic investments over the years.
“The Singapore Airshow serves as a pivotal platform for the Group to actively connect with our global stakeholders and offers a firsthand experience of our cutting-edge technologies and innovations. Our showcase exemplifies our Group’s collective engineering capabilities and domain expertise, highlighting our ability to deliver comprehensive solutions that create meaningful impact,” said Mr Ravinder Singh, Group COO (Technology & Innovation) at ST Engineering. He added, “As Singapore’s homegrown technology, defence and engineering group, we take pride in flying our flag high and elevating our presence on this global stage.”
For example, one of its firsts for its aviation cluster that showcases the Group’s extensive capabilities in supporting an aircraft’s
entire lifecycle, from designing and manufacturing to maintenance and asset management include AirFish Wing-in-Ground craft that the Group is showcasing at the Airshow for the first time.
Smart City Solutions
Its Smart City showcase features the Group’s Smart Mobility, Smart Connectivity and Smart Environment innovations and solutions underpinned by AI, automation and analytics that enhance energy efficiency, connectivity and resource utilisation. Solutions on display include AGIL® Smart Energy Building that enables energy-light buildings and other sustainability-linked offerings; 5G Smart Rail Operations that enable enhanced connectivity, operational efficiency and safety for rail operations; Guideway Transit Inspection Service that revolutionises guideway transit infrastructure maintenance, as well as advanced tolling and congestion pricing solutions that help cities address traffic congestion.
This year’s aerial display will be the biggest ever with nine displays including the debut of the Indian Aire Force Sarang, the COMAC C919 and ARJ21. To view gallery photos click here
The Singapore Air Show will be on from 20th to 25th February 2024. For more on the Air Show click here
