With just a week to go, Boeing has confirmed which aircraft it will be bringing to the Singapore Airshow. From a commercial aviation perspective, the highlight will be the 777X, which will make its regional debut.
Those in attendance can look forward to aerial manoeuvres and demonstrations from the next-generation widebody, which according to Boeing will allow it to “showcase its new carbon-fibre composite wing and quiet GE9X engines”.
Last held in February 2020, the biennial aerospace event was the final major gathering of industry leaders prior to the pandemic. Only November 2021’s Dubai Airshow has taken place since then with both Le Bourget and Farnborough cancelled due to public health restrictions.
Local media reports suggest attendees and exhibitors will be well down even on 2020’s levels, which were already dampened by looming fears about the spread of COVID-19 in the city state.
Speaking ahead of the show, Alex Feldman, president of Boeing Southeast Asia said: "We are looking forward to gathering with our industry colleagues in Singapore, in support of the recovery of aviation in the Southeast Asia region, as it provides us an opportunity to engage with customers, government officials, partners, suppliers, media and other stakeholders from the region.
"We will highlight our investment in, and commitment to, technology, innovation and sustainability, building the foundation for the long-term growth of the aerospace industry."
In addition to its commercial portfolio, Boeing will also showcase its offerings from its defence division including maritime patrol aircraft, advanced fighters and trainers, and autonomous systems.
The F-15, P-8 Poseidon and T-7A Advanced Pilot Training System will all be on display, as well as the Boeing Airpower Teaming System, which is the company's first uncrewed system to be designed and developed in Australia.
Boeing is also expected to use the event to highlight its digital services, including integrated flight operations, data-driven supply chains, e-commerce, predictive maintenance, digitally enabled MROs and competency-based training for customers.
While Boeing’s presence at the show may be reduced compared to previous years, the region remains a hugely important one for the US OEM. The company’s Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) predicts that increased demand for air travel will see the overall fleet within Southeast Asia growing by 5% over the next two decades.
In real terms this translates to more than 4,400 new aircraft valued at $700 billion. Of this total, single-aisle jets will account for more than 80% of deliveries. Widebodies – including passenger and freighter examples – are expected to total more than 800 aircraft.
Keep an eye on Key.Aero from February 15 for our coverage of the 2022 Singapore Airshow.
