Singapore Airshow 2016: A Spectacular Show Wows Crowds

SINGAPORE, 21 FEBRUARY 2016 – Singapore Airshow 2016 attracted over 80,000 visitors for the public day weekend on 20 to 21 February. Singaporeans and foreign visitors, young and old, thronged Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC) to catch a glimpse of their favourite aerial display performances and the latest commercial and military aircraft.

A Breath-taking Show in the Sky

Visitors to the Airshow soaked in the excitement of the breath-taking flying display performances including those by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s integrated aerial display team, comprising an F-15SG fighter jet and an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter. They performed 11 exciting manoeuvres, showcasing precision and coordination between two different aircraft types of different manoeuvrability and capabilities. Their mesmerising routine included the Vertical Punch, a new manoeuvre that was performed for the first time.

The Black Eagles from the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), known for their jaw-dropping stunts, were back to thrill the crowds with three additional manoeuvres added to their 2014 repertoire. Other adrenaline-fuelled flying displays included the France Air Force’s Dassault Rafale, the U.S. Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster III, F-16C/D Fighting Falcon and B-52 Stratofortress, and the Sukhoi Su-30MKM from the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

All-round Experience for Fans of All Ages and Interests

In addition, visitors had the opportunity to interact with the pilots from the RSAF, ROKAF, French Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force at the Meet-the-Pilots sessions. The Singapore Airshow mascots, Captain Leo and Captain Leonette, also made appearances at the show, mingling and taking pictures with visitors. Over at the Static Aircraft Display Area, visitors were able to get up close and personal with majestic commercial and military aircraft including a RSAF Black Knight F-16C in its familiar red and white paint scheme which incorporates the national symbols of the crescent moon and five stars. Other key highlights of the static aircraft display included two U.S. Air Force F-22 stealth fighters showcased together at the Singapore Airshow for the first time, and the Airbus A400M – a modern military transport plane using the latest fly-by-wire flight control system – which was also making its debut at the show. Luxury business jets from Bombardier, Embraer and Gulfstream, as well as other new aircraft and helicopter models such as the Airbus H145 and Bell 505, also appeared for the first time at the Singapore Airshow.

Over the 6-day show from 16 – 21 February, Singapore Airshow 2016 welcomed over 130,000 trade and public day visitors. Trade attendance from 16 – 19 February saw a 7% increase compared to 2014 with 30% from overseas. This year’s Airshow also saw close to a 5% increase in VIP delegations from the last edition in 2014.

“We are pleased that the fifth edition of the Singapore Airshow has received such strong support from both trade and public visitors alike. We are constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve the curation of programmes and activities to provide a meaningful experience for all participants,” said Mr Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events, organisers of Singapore Airshow. “We would like to thank our stakeholders, exhibitors, partners and visitors for their continued participation and support, and look forward to building on this year’s show to make Singapore Airshow 2018 even more exciting.”

Singapore Airshow 2018 will be held from 6 to 11 February at Changi Exhibition Centre.