The new purpose built venue next to Changi Airport is good, secure and an excellent stage for aircraft display. Unfortunately, not that many were on display, but those that were, made for an impressive backdrop to the activities.

Depending on the individual’s point of view, it was for the first or the 11th time that the Singapore Airshow opened its doors this year. Held in February every two years, the event has historically been the cornerstone event for the Asian aerospace industry since the 1980s. Two years ago, however, amid rumours of a dispute the key partners split—Reed Exhibitions took its Asian Aerospace brand to Hong Kong (see SP’s Aviation 5/2007) and the Singapore government launched the Singapore Airshow at a new purpose built site next to Changi Airport. The venue encompassed a 40,000 sq m air-conditioned exhibition hall and a 100,000 sq m area for static display of aircraft, besides 100 Chalets.

For the bemused industry, already straining under the weight of too many shows, it became somewhat of a choice. Do they stick with the traditional location, or the traditional organisers? Hong Kong promised access to China (and indeed delivered with a splendid congress and exhibition) but Singapore provided several elements that Asian Aerospace could not: defence equipment and a flying display. Putting to rest apprehensions, both shows went on to succeed, albeit on a scale smaller than the previous major event. Only time will tell whether the two events, albeit with very distinct characteristics, will survive in the long run.