Singapore Airshow managing director Leck Chet Lam says one of the top stars will be the U.S. Air Force Lockheed Martin F-22. This fifth generation fighter is so technologically advanced that the U.S. government refuses to allow it to be sold to any other nation. The USAF is also bringing the Lockheed Martin F-16 and the Boeing C-17, its large heavy-lift transport aircraft.
There is a requirement in the Asia-Pacific region for more military transport aircraft, which may explain the presence of Airbus Military’s A400M at the show. The Royal Malaysian Air Force operates the A400M, but Airbus Military also is hoping to sell it to other countries in the region including Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and Thailand.
The Malaysian Air Force will bring the Sukhoi Su-30, the most highly advanced fighter in its fleet. At the 2014 Singapore Airshow, the Malaysians brought the MiG-29, but they are planning to phase out that aircraft type. One of the aircraft Malaysia is considering buying is the Dassault Rafale, which is why the French manufacturer brought it to the show. The Rafale has been riding a wave of success lately after securing orders from Egypt and Qatar, while a sale to India has not yet been finalized.
Another aircraft that has been achieving some sales success is the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50. Indonesia and the Philippines have both ordered the type.
The Republic of Korea Air Force’s T50 flying acrobatic team, the Black Eagles, will be performing at the show and the Republic of Singapore Air Force will be doing a coordinated flying display involving the Boeing F-15SG and the Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.
In terms of commercial aircraft at the show, Bombardier has announced that it will have the CSeries CS100 on static display. This aircraft type recently gained Transport Canadacertification and is due to be delivered to launch operator Swiss International Air Lines in this year’s first half.
Also on display is the Airbus A350. Singapore Airlines has ordered the aircraft and several other carriers in the region are considering it. Philippine Airlines, for example, plans to announce at the show whether it has ordered the A350-900 or the Boeing 787-9 to replace its Airbus A340s.