Singapore Airshow 2010 to open today

The curtains go up today on Singapore Airshow 2010 - the first major global gathering of plane-makers, airlines and other industry players as optimism returns to the industry.
More than a year after the economic slump sent the aviation industry into a tailspin, the crisis seems to have hit bottom; demand for air travel is back and planes are filling up again.
About 43,000 trade visitors, among them government leaders, airline heads, and military personnel, are expected in town for the show at the Changi Exhibition Centre.
The six-day event has attracted more than 800 companies - including 62 of the industry's 100 biggest - from over 40 countries. This is about the same number that turned up when the airshow was last held here in 2008; a clear sign that activity is returning to the industry after the downturn.
But unlike the last airshow that ended with over US$13 billion in sales of aircraft and related equipment, no major buying and selling is expected this time round.
Airbus spokesman Sean Lee said they expected the atmosphere at the show to be one of cautious optimism as the outlook remains challenging. “But this is a long-term business, which is why exhibitors will be here in force reflecting the importance of the Asia Pacific market in coming years,” he noted.
Airbus has picked the Singapore Airshow for its first public viewing of the A330-200F freighter, which is due to enter commercial service later this year.
The European plane-maker will also have an indoor exhibit featuring a life-size mock-up of the upper forward fuselage of the new A350 XWB mid-size widebody, currently under development and scheduled to enter service in 2013.
02/02/10 The China Post, China

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Singapore Airshow 2010