More than 1,000 aviation companies from some 50 countries will be participating at the Singapore Airshow 2016.

Singapore Airshow, Asia's largest and one of the most important aerospace and defence exhibitions in the world, will return for its fifth edition from 16 to 21 February 2016. This year, the biennial event is seeing the participation of more than 1,000 aviation companies from some 50 countries, including 65 of the top global aerospace and aviation industry players.

Visitors can look forward to displays of the latest aircraft and cutting-edge aerospace products and technologies by industry heavyweights such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Pratt & Whitney, just to name a few. In addition, through its high-level conference, forums, and co-located events, the Airshow will offer a unique platform for thought leadership, bringing together leading industry players, government and military chiefs to engage in dialogues and exchange ideas. This includes the Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit (SAALS) which is jointly organised by the Singapore Ministry of Transport (MOT), Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Experia Events (see box below).

Bridging Skies picks out 5 things to look out for at the Airshow, for both the members of public and aviation industry professionals:

For the Aviation Professionals :

New business forums
Featuring speakers from major aviation players, business forums will be held at the Airshow, focusing on the latest developments in the aerospace and defence industry. The Asia Business Forum will focus on the new growth drivers and the increasing challenges and opportunities in China, Japan and Indonesia. Two brand new forums – the Emerging Technologies Business Forum and the Training & Simulation Business Forum – have been introduced to address the industry's increasing focus on technologies such as additive manufacturing and data analytics; and the use of simulation in training of aviation personnel. With France as the Feature Country for Singapore Airshow 2016, the new France – Singapore Business Forum is being organised together with GIFAS, the French aerospace industries association, to facilitate partnership between companies in Singapore and France.

Expanded exhibition zones
Singapore Airshow 2016 will feature an expanded Training and Simulation Zone and a new Aerospace Emerging Technologies Zone to help exhibitors and attendees leverage the latest market trends:

• Training and Simulation Zone: Building on the success of the Aviation Training Zone in 2014, the expanded training and simulation zone will showcase education, training and simulation technologies for aviation personnel such as pilots and air traffic controllers.
• Aerospace Emerging Technologies Zone: Visitors can experience first-hand new innovations within the aerospace manufacturing and aerospace IT sectors, such as augmented reality, in-flight broadband and intelligent automation.

A focus on France
The Feature Country series was first introduced at the Singapore Airshow in 2014 to spotlight on countries which have strong and thriving businesses in the aerospace, defence and aviation sectors.

France has been chosen as the feature country in this year’s edition. A key global aerospace services and products export with an aerospace, defence and security industry worth €47.9 billion (S$74.3 billion), the country is a major player on the global aviation stage. Participating French aviation companies will have access to a dedicated ‘Deminar’ area – a demonstration and seminar area for research institutes and universities to present their latest technologies and innovations. Visitors will get the rare chance to view the latest and best aviation technologies from the country.

Box Story:

For the Members of the Public:

World-class aerial flying displays
The crowd-pleaser and signature event of the Airshow, the aerial flying displays planned for this year are set to provide some breathtaking moments and Instagram-worthy shots. The line-up includes the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s integrated aerial display team, comprising an F-15SG fighter jet and an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, which will perform 11 exciting manoeuvres at the Singapore Airshow 2016, showcasing precision and coordination between two different aircraft types of different manoeuvrability and capabilities. Their mesmerising routine includes the Vertical Punch, a new manoeuvre that will be performed for the first time. Singapore Airshow 2016 will also see the return of the Black Eagles from the Republic of Korea Air Force, known for their jaw-dropping aerobatic stunts. The Black Eagles will be looking to surpass their breathtaking performance in 2014 by bedazzling the crowds at Singapore Airshow 2016 with 3 more manoeuvres added to their repertoire.

In addition, some of the magnificent aircraft that will take to the skies include the French Air Forces Dassault Rafale, the U.S. Air Force's C-17 Globemaster III and F-16C/D Fighting Falcon and the Su-30MKM from the Royal Malaysia Air Force.

Over at the static Aircraft Display Area, attendees can get near and up close with a wide array of jets, from military and commercial planes, to unmanned aircraft and helicopters. Visitors can also get the chance to view advanced avionics in fighter cockpits, tour the plush cabins of luxury jets and gain exclusive access to the holds of giant aircraft. The RSAF will be showcasing 11 aircraft and weapon systems, including a Black Knight F-16C aircraft in its familiar red and white paint scheme which incorporates the Singapore national symbols of the crescent moon and five stars.

Other key highlights of the static aircraft display include two USAF F-22 stealth fighters and the Airbus A400M – a modern military transport plane using the latest fly-by-wire flight control system – all of which will be taking part at the Singapore Airshow for the first time. Visitors can also look forward to some of the latest luxury business jets from Bombardier, Embraer and Gulfstream as well as other new aircraft and helicopter models such as Airbus H145 and Bell 505, all also appearing for the first time at the Singapore Airshow.

Activities for the young and old Besides the thrills and spills of the aerial displays, there are also activities planned for families and kids. The official Singapore Airshow mascots, Captain Leo and Captain Leonette will be roaming the exhibition to share hugs and take photos with visitors. Awed by the aerial stunts? Grab the chance to attend special meet-the-pilot sessions where the pilots will oblige your requests for photos and autographs.

Do also check out the "Enabling Opportunities Through Aviation" Showcase, at Function Room 7. Visitors will embark on a fascinating journey and find out more about the Singapore Air Hub, Aviation Safety, Air Traffic Management and Aviation Professionals. Complete the journey and take home a limited edition Singapore Airshow travel pack, whilst stocks last!