02 March 2026
Singapore Airshow 2026
Major aircraft orders, sustainability and APAC’s rapid aviation growth, with new technologies shaping the future of flight.
The Singapore Airshow 2026, held from 3 to 8 February at the Changi Exhibition Centre, marked its 10th edition and celebrated 20 years as Asia-Pacific's (APAC's) leading aerospace platform.
This year's event arrived at an important moment for the industry, with the APAC region driving more than 52% of global aviation growth heading into 2026. Featuring participation from more than 1,000 exhibitors representing over 50 countries, the Airshow underscored Singapore's enduring position as a global aviation hub and an essential meeting point for commercial manufacturers, airlines and technology leaders.
Major commercial aircraft orders
The APAC region continues to lead global aviation growth, accounting for more than half of the industry's expansion in 2025 and maintaining strong momentum into 2026. Passenger volumes are projected to exceed 5 billion travellers globally, with APAC load factors predicted to reach a record 84.4%, reflecting the region's resilience and growing demand for capacity.
Themes from this year's airshow
Sustainability as a core pillar
Sustainability emerged as a defining theme in 2026. AeroForum sessions linked sustainable aviation with AI, advanced air mobility and cybersecurity. A wide range of speakers engaged with attendees' strategies for reducing the industry's carbon footprint while meeting growing travel demands.
Exhibitors showcased:
- Sustainable engine, and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) solutions.
- AI-driven avionics and operational technologies.
- Next-generation unmanned systems and autonomous capabilities, prominently featured in Singaporean technology (ST) engineering's displays and collaborations with Shield AI, and Airbus Defence and Space.
Digitalisation and modernisation
Digitalisation took centre stage at the 2026 Singapore Airshow, with exhibitors demonstrating how predictive maintenance, integrated fleet management and advanced training tools are reshaping operations. The expanded AeroCampus further connected these capabilities to workforce development by aligning training programmes with the digital systems now embedded across airline and MRO environments.
AI emerged as a major driver of this transformation, the key highlights including:
- AI-enabled 'digital crew members' to help pilots manage complex sensor data, reducing cognitive load and improving safety and operational efficiency.
- Autonomous decision-making software, such as Shield AI's Hivemind, to support seamless manned–unmanned coordination, enhancing logistics and operational resilience.
- Safely achieving real-time data analysis and navigation without relying on external bandwidth on platform processors like Thales' cortAIx SG.
APAC as the global growth hub
Across announcements and discussions, a clear message resonated: the APAC region is central to the future of commercial aviation.
- Nearly 95% of exhibitors expressed interest in returning for the 2028 edition.
- Singapore's strategic location and stability continue to attract MRO investment, technology partnerships and long-term commitments.
Highlights from the static and flying displays
While commercial aviation dominated the exhibition halls, the flying and static displays drew significant attention throughout the week. Eight aerial performances, featuring six international air forces alongside Airbus and COMAC, delivered high-precision showcases that kept spectators engaged. From the Indian Air Force's Sarang helicopter display team to the Royal Australian Air Force and the People's Liberation Army Air Force Bayi aerobatic team, the demonstrations highlighted the growing sophistication of regional air capabilities.
On the ground, more than 30 aircraft offered visitors a close-up view of modern fleet technologies. Standout examples included the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter and the H225M medium-lift helicopter, both showcasing advances in mission flexibility and avionics integration. Military enthusiasts were drawn to the F-16C and the Royal Australian Air Force's F-35A, giving attendees a rare look at next-generation stealth and sensor‑fusion capabilities. The Luftwaffe's Airbus A400M also attracted interest with its composite materials, multi-role airlift design and digital cockpit.
Together, these flying and static displays brought the Airshow's theme of accelerated innovation to life, demonstrating how modernised commercial, military and unmanned platforms are shaping APAC's aviation future.
Business aviation highlights
The segment made a notable impact at this year's show, led by:
- Dassault's Falcon 6X headlined Day 1, emphasising range and cabin capabilities tailored for APAC missions.
- Gulfstream showcasing the G700 and G500, reflecting APAC buyers' increased focus on fleet optimisation and long-range capabilities.
These displays highlighted sustained demand for premium, long-range aircraft as corporate travel steadily recovers across Asia.
Space summit 2026: Expanding horizons
For the first time, the Singapore Airshow hosted the Space Summit 2026 from 2 to 3 February. Supported by Singapore's Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) and the Economic Development Board (EDB), the summit marked an important step in broadening the Airshow's scope to include the rapidly growing commercial space sector.
Key outcomes included:
- A focus on responsible and inclusive space development, aligned with the theme "New Frontiers: Shaping a Responsible and Inclusive Space Future."
- Participation from major space agencies, including the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organisation (APSCO), Agência Espacial Brasileira (AEB), the German Space Agency (DLR), Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) reinforced Singapore's role as APAC's hub for space dialogue.
- Panel discussions on launch systems, in-space infrastructure, capital investment and the expanding space economy, which is projected to reach USD1.8 trillion by 2035.
The Singapore Airshow 2026 provided a clear vision of the industry's trajectory, towards smarter, cleaner and more interconnected aviation. As new technologies converge across aviation and space, the event highlighted a future defined by accelerated innovation, enhanced regional capabilities and expanding commercial opportunities.
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