Singapore reaffirmed its position as a global aviation and aerospace hub at the opening of the Singapore Airshow 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong delivered the opening speech at the Singapore Airshow 2026 Opening Ceremony on 2 February 2026 in Singapore.
Speaking to ministers, defence leaders, industry executives and international guests, DPM Gan welcomed participants to the 10th edition of the Singapore Airshow. He noted that the Airshow has grown into one of the world’s most influential aerospace events, reflecting strong global confidence in Singapore as a trusted partner and convenor.
This year’s Airshow welcomed around 110,000 trade and public visitors, with more than 1,000 companies from 50 countries taking part. Highlights included aerial displays by the Republic of Singapore Air Force and participating air forces from Australia, China, India, Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as static displays of advanced aircraft, air defence systems and unmanned aerial vehicles. The Airshow also hosted its inaugural Space Summit, marking Singapore’s growing role in the air, space and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
DPM Gan highlighted strong recovery in global air travel, especially in Asia Pacific, alongside supply constraints in aircraft production and longer delivery timelines. He noted that Asia Pacific is expected to account for more than 45 per cent of the global aircraft fleet over the next two decades, with passenger traffic growing faster than any other region.
He said aviation and aerospace will serve as twin growth engines for Singapore’s economy. In 2024, Changi Airport served nearly 70 million passengers, while the aerospace sector grew by almost 20 per cent. Since the last Airshow, Singapore has attracted more than S$750 million in aerospace investment commitments, expected to create about 600 jobs over the next five years.
DPM Gan outlined four key strengths supporting the sector: strong partnerships, a skilled workforce, deep research and innovation capabilities, and long-term infrastructure investments. He highlighted global companies such as GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce and RTX, as well as local precision engineering firms, as key parts of Singapore’s aerospace ecosystem.
On talent, he noted that Singapore produces more than 2,000 aviation and aerospace graduates each year and has committed S$200 million under the OneAviation Manpower Fund to support skills development and workforce transformation.
He also highlighted Singapore’s research and innovation strengths, including A*STAR-led programmes, industry research labs, and new platforms such as the Aerospace Open Innovation Challenge to support test-bedding and global scaling of new technologies.
On infrastructure, DPM Gan pointed to the construction of Changi Airport Terminal 5, expansion at Changi East, and new facilities at Seletar Aerospace Park as long-term investments to support industry growth.
DPM Gan concluded by reaffirming Singapore’s commitment to keeping its aviation and aerospace sectors resilient, competitive and future-ready, before officially declaring the Singapore Airshow 2026 open.
Source: MTI
