Boeing, Airbus rival from China makes debut at Singapore air show

ISTANBUL

China's indigenous air passenger carrier has made its debut at a six-day air show in Singapore, receiving at least 40 orders, while the industry leader Boeing also received at least four orders on the first day of the show.

The C919 passenger jet made a flight demonstration at Asia’s largest airshow, which began on Tuesday, where some 1,000 aviation industry companies are participating from over 50 countries and regions.

Singapore’s Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, along with other officials, opened the 9th edition of the airshow, where industry leaders and CEOs also held panels to discuss challenges and opportunities for the Asia-Pacific region.

The gathering of aviation giants and newly launched civil and military air carriers came after the industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the eve of the airshow on Monday night, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said: “The buzz and energy around this year’s airshow is reflective of the strong global rebound of the aviation and aerospace industries.”

According to the organizers, the airshow witnessed the return of flight teams and commercial airliners which presented “spectacular aerial displays as part of the show.”

The US team was represented by Andrew Hunter, the assistant Air Force secretary for acquisition, while head of US Pacific Air Forces Chief Gen. Kevin Schneider also attended the show, according to the Breaking Defense news website.

Aviation giant Airbus’ A350-1000 model also took part in the fair.

The industry experts noted that innovation “will be critical” to ensure that the supply keeps up with industry demands amid expected growth of the aerospace and defense sectors.

“Asia is the largest growing aerospace market in the world and the trend line is firm and positive going into the future,” noted Skip Boyce, the president of Boeing’s Southeast Asia region.

According to the Chinese state media, two aircraft of the country’s home-built C919, as well as three ARJ21 jetliners, attended the airshow.

The two are developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China.

Participants placed orders for 40 units of C919 and 16 units of ARJ21 aircraft at the airshow.

China’s Z-10ME attack helicopter was another attraction at the show.

One of the world’s largest aircraft producers, Boeing said Royal Brunei Airlines placed orders for four 787 Dreamliners.

Royal Brunei Airlines' selection of the 787-9 “supports the airline's long-term growth strategy, sustainability goals, and focus on passenger comfort,” said the aviation giant.

Aviation teams from Indonesia, Australia, India, and South Korea were among the attendees as the Singapore Air Force sent its F-15 fighter jet and Apache attack helicopter to perform aerobatics events.