Singapore Airshow 2026 Milestone Edition: 20 Years of Shaping the Aerospace Landscape as Asia-Pacific Drives Global Growth

Singapore Airshow 2026 opens on 3 February 2026 for its 10th edition, marking two decades as a cornerstone event for the global aerospace, defense and space industries as the Asia-Pacific region continues to dominate global aviation expansion.

The six-day event at Changi Exhibition Centre, running from 3 to 8 February 2026, arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry. Asia-Pacific will be the fastest-growing region in 2025, at 9% year-on-year, contributing 52% of the industry’s growth, while the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects airline net profits of US$41 billion in 2026, with passenger volumes expected to reach 5.2 billion travelers.

In the Asia-Pacific region specifically, load factors are projected to reach 84.4% in 2026, an all-time high for the region, underscoring the sector’s robust recovery and continued momentum post-pandemic.

Major Industry Participation

More than 1,000 participating companies from over 50 countries will convene at Singapore Airshow 2026, representing commercial aviation, defense, space, maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.

Leading aerospace and defense firms including Airbus, CATIC, Bell, Boeing, COMAC, GE Aerospace, Gulfstream, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, MBDA, Rolls-Royce, RTX, Saab, SIA Engineering, ST Engineering and Thales will exhibit alongside a new wave of defense technology innovators. Companies such as Anduril, Helsing, Quantum Systems and Shield AI in autonomous and uncrewed systems, DroneShield in counter-UAS technologies, Edgecortix in AI computing, Hawkeye 360 in space-based intelligence and surveillance, Radia with the world’s largest aircraft, and Transcelestial with laser-based space communications reflect the industry’s transformation toward next-generation capabilities.

Country pavilions from Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States will anchor the exhibition, with expanded representation from the Italian Trade Agency Pavilion and the China Pavilion. Collectively, these pavilions occupy the largest total floor space in Singapore Airshow’s history.

Economic Impact and Industry Catalyst

The 2024 edition generated over S$391 million in economic activity while attracting more than 50,000 trade attendees and 60,000 public attendees. The 2026 edition is positioned to deliver similar scale, amplified by expanded programming including the inaugural Space Summit 2026.

The event’s economic contribution extends across Singapore’s hospitality, transport, logistics and business services sectors, while catalyzing longer-term value through investment flows, strategic partnerships, and talent development.

“As aviation and defence adapt to shifts driven by sustainability and digitalisation, Singapore Airshow provides a neutral setting for stakeholders to engage and build partnerships with long-term relevance,” said Mr Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events, organiser of Singapore Airshow. “Reaching our 10th edition reflects how Singapore Airshow has grown alongside the industry and how its role continues to expand, particularly as Asia-Pacific continues to drive the growth of the global aviation business.”

Inaugural Space Summit Extends Reach Beyond Atmosphere

For the first time, Singapore Airshow will extend beyond Earth’s atmosphere with Space Summit 2026, taking place 2 & 3 February 2026 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands.

Backed by Singapore’s Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn) and the Economic Development Board (EDB), the Summit establishes Singapore as Asia-Pacific’s focal point for space sector dialogue. Under the theme “New Frontiers: Shaping a Responsible and Inclusive Space Future,” the program convenes policymakers, space agencies, investors and innovators to address infrastructure development, sustainable practices, capital deployment and the in-space economy—forecasted by McKinsey to reach US$1.8 trillion by 2035.

Across two days, Space Summit 2026 will feature keynote addresses, leadership dialogues and focused panels on launch system innovations, the future in-space economy and Asia-Pacific market growth. Confirmed participation includes senior representatives from 19 major space agencies including the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organisation (APSCO), Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), European Space Agency, German Space Agency (DLR), Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), NASA, Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), UAE Space Agency, and others.

The Summit will feature keynote insights from Michael Schoellhorn, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Defence & Space, and perspectives from ST Engineering as a Founding Partner, together with a diverse lineup of senior female leaders from across the global space ecosystem.

Advancing Sustainable Aviation

Asia-Pacific is accelerating sustainable aviation through early SAF mandates, regional production capacity and growing investments. Industry projections indicate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will represent 4-5% of global jet fuel consumption by 2030, with Singapore targeting 1% SAF adoption by 2026.

Neste, the world’s leading renewable fuels producer, returns as Sustainable Aviation Partner. The company will share operational insights at AeroForum on SAF scale-up, supply chain evolution and practical pathways to decarbonization.

Innovation Platforms and Industry Forums

Singapore Airshow 2026 creates direct channels between emerging innovators and established industry players through several platforms.

The What’s Next startup platform showcases breakthrough technologies in aerospace and defense, while dedicated exhibition zones highlight digital aviation, sustainable propulsion systems and next-generation defense capabilities.

The trade program addresses both immediate industry priorities and longer-horizon transformation through structured forums:

AeroForum assembles senior leadership and technical experts to examine market dynamics, defense spending trajectories, autonomy and human-machine teaming, cyber resilience, sustainable aviation implementation, advanced air mobility, workforce evolution and the commercialization race for emerging technologies, in partnership with Alton Aviation Consultancy, Aviation Week Network, Bloomberg, FlightGlobal and NexAvian.

Sessions include the Commercial Aviation Leadership Summit featuring executives from BOC Aviation, Cebu Pacific Air, CFM International, IndiGo and Scoot; discussions on strengthening cyber resilience featuring Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency; panels on sustainable aviation pathways; artificial intelligence applications in aviation; and the future of advanced air mobility commercialization.

AeroConnect, powered by AI-driven matchmaking, connects participants with partnership and transaction opportunities across the trade days.

AeroCampus brings together training institutions, educators and industry partners to expose students and emerging professionals to education pathways, skills upgrading and evolving career opportunities in the aviation and defense industry.

Weekend@Airshow Opens to Public

Weekend@Airshow (February 7-8) opens the event to the public, combining aerial performances with static aircraft displays of commercial, military and business aircraft. Families can engage with interactive exhibits while Singapore Airshow mascots Captain Leo and Leonette make appearances throughout both days.

Tickets are available via SISTIC, priced at SGD 39 for adults, SGD 19 for children aged 3 to 12, and SGD 250 for a group package (four tickets plus one car park label). Attendees can also enjoy AeroPerks, an exclusive rewards program offering special privileges and savings across Singapore with 57 participating dining, retail, lifestyle and entertainment partners.

The flying display program will feature performances from the Republic of Singapore Air Force and seven other foreign participants: Airbus, COMAC, the Indian Air Force, the Indonesian Air Force, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Autograph sessions will be held with pilots participating in the aerial display program. Flying display timings are subject to change; visitors are advised to check the Singapore Airshow website for updates.

Flying displays will be held once daily at 12:00 p.m. on February 3, and at 11:00 a.m. on February 4 and 5. During Weekend@Airshow, displays will be performed twice daily at 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on February 7 and 8.

Commemorating Two Decades

Commemorating 20 years of Singapore Airshow, AeroLens presents a curated photography exhibition documenting the event’s evolution. Featuring works from distinguished aviation photographers including MAphotoSG and Plane’s Portrait Aviation Media, the showcase captures the technical advancement, scale and human dimension of aerospace development across two decades.

Beyond the flying displays, Singapore Airshow 2026 will feature an extensive static display of more than 35 aircraft spanning commercial, business, military and unmanned platforms from leading manufacturers and operators.

Singapore Airshow 2026 is organized and managed by Experia Events Pte Ltd. The biennial event has established itself as one of the most influential international aerospace and defense exhibitions, providing a platform for stakeholders to forge strategic alliances and collaborate on shaping the future of the global aviation industry.

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Photo credits: Singapore Airshow

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