Debrief

Reflections on our last airshow

In uncertain times, it is worthwhile to remind of the obvious: airshows are typically characterised by what happens. Yet for many attendees at the Singapore Airshow, Asia’s biennial aerospace gathering was more reflective of what was not at the far corner of Changi Airport. Prior to the show’s start, over 70 exhibitors withdrew, including a large presence from Lockheed Martin and 12 Chinese companies. 

Concerns for health and safety ran rampant as there were noticeably more casual seating areas in the exhibition halls and relatively relaxed inshow precautionary measures. Those who did fulfil their last international trip were present for fewer days. Remarkably only one stand was assembled but totally vacated and an exhibitor from the US only attended for one day, making over four hours of roundtrip travel time for every hour spent at the show.