Singapore Airshow 2026: Aviation’s Future Takes Flight

Photo Credits: Singapore Airshow website

Asia’s most influential aerospace and defence platform is set to return with its largest edition yet. The Singapore Airshow 2026 will run from 3 to 8 February at the Changi Exhibition Centre, marking the 10th anniversary of this biennial event that has become indispensable for the global aviation industry. With over 1,000 participating companies from more than 50 countries, the Singapore Airshow 2026 represents a critical gathering point for industry leaders, military delegations, government officials, and aerospace innovators from around the world.

For two decades, the Singapore Airshow has evolved into Asia’s gateway for aerospace and defence excellence. The 2026 edition continues this legacy whilst introducing transformative new elements that reflect the industry’s rapid evolution. Whether you’re an aviation professional, defence contractor, investor, or technology enthusiast, understanding what’s on offer at Singapore Airshow 2026 provides valuable insight into where the aerospace sector is heading.

A Record-Breaking Global Showcase

The Singapore Airshow 2026 is positioned to be the largest gathering of aerospace and defence professionals in the Asia-Pacific region. The event expects to attract more than 50,000 trade attendees, along with 250+ VIP delegations representing 90 countries. This concentration of decision-makers, procurement officers, and industry thought leaders creates unparalleled networking opportunities and business development potential.

The exhibition space will feature contributions from aerospace giants including Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo, Saab, and GE Aerospace. These established industry leaders will share exhibition space with emerging defence technology companies such as Helsing, Quantum, and Shield AI, representing the industry’s push toward next-generation capabilities. Country pavilions from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States will showcase their national aerospace strengths, alongside expanded representations from Italy and China.

The Inaugural Space Summit 2026

One of the most significant additions to Singapore Airshow 2026 is the debut of Space Summit 2026, held from 2 to 3 February at Marina Bay Sands. This expansion reflects the growing convergence between air and space industries and Singapore’s strategic positioning as a regional hub for the emerging space economy.

The Space Summit 2026 operates under the theme “New Frontiers — Shaping a Responsible and Inclusive Space Future” and addresses critical topics including satellite communications, earth observation for sustainability, space infrastructure, launcher business, orbital safety, and the rise of Asia-Pacific’s space sector. Industry experts estimate the global space economy will expand from US$630 billion in 2023 to approximately US$1.8 trillion by 2035, driven by increasing demand for space-enabled services across communications, climate resilience, and security applications.

This inaugural summit signals Singapore’s commitment to fostering cross-sector collaboration between aerospace, technology, and emerging innovation spaces. By co-locating the Space Summit with Singapore Airshow 2026, organisers create unique opportunities for dual-sector exploration and partnership-building.

Sustainability Takes Centre Stage

Environmental responsibility has become integral to the Singapore Airshow’s vision. The 2026 edition places sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and net-zero initiatives firmly in the spotlight, showcasing real-world applications and technologies that advance the aviation sector’s decarbonisation goals.

Neste, a global leader in renewable fuels, joins as the Sustainable Aviation Partner and will contribute expertise at AeroForum sessions on SAF adoption, supply chain transformation, and enabling greener aviation operations. This emphasis reflects Singapore’s national commitment: the government has set a 1% SAF blending mandate beginning in 2026, scaling to 3–5% by 2030. These targets position Singapore as a regional driver of sustainable aviation practices and create demand signals that incentivise fuel producers to expand SAF production capacity across Southeast Asia.

Attendees at Singapore Airshow 2026 can offset their travel-related carbon emissions through the CarbonClick counter, a tool first introduced at the 2024 edition. This integration of environmental responsibility throughout the event reinforces the industry’s commitment to responsible travel and sustainable operations.

Innovation and Defence Technology Leadership

Innovation lies at the heart of Singapore Airshow 2026. The event will expand dedicated exhibition zones spotlighting digital aviation, sustainable propulsion technologies, and advanced defence systems. The “What’s Next” startup showcase returns with sharper focus on emerging and dual-use technologies, fostering direct connections between global OEMs, SMEs, and technology start-ups.

Defence innovators showcasing breakthroughs in unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, counter-unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS), space technology, quantum sensing, and cyber resilience represent the evolution of modern defence capabilities. Companies like ST Engineering will present innovations ranging from advanced manufacturing techniques—including nacelle inlets for the COMAC C919—to next-generation manned-unmanned teaming platforms and AI-powered command-and-control systems.

AeroForum: Thought Leadership and Industry Dialogue

The AeroForum programme at Singapore Airshow 2026 delivers comprehensive coverage of the industry’s most pressing priorities. Scheduled sessions address market and budget outlooks, human-machine teaming and autonomy, cybersecurity, sustainable aviation pathways, advanced air mobility, workforce transformation, and the global race to commercialise next-generation technologies.

These sessions bring together thought leaders and technical experts who share insights spanning both civil and military domains, creating a forum for dialogue and strategic discussion. The programme enables attendees to engage with critical trends shaping aviation’s near-term and long-term future.

Weekend Attractions and Public Engagement

Singapore Airshow 2026 extends beyond trade professionals with public engagement opportunities on 7–8 February through “Weekend@Airshow.” These public days feature thrilling aircraft aerial performances and static displays showcasing the latest commercial, military, and business aircraft. Visitors gain close-up access to cutting-edge capabilities and witness aviation excellence in action.

Planning Your Visit

The event operates on a split schedule: trade days run 3–6 February with restricted professional access, whilst public days on 7–8 February welcome general attendees. The Changi Exhibition Centre, located at 9 Aviation Park Road, offers convenient access from Singapore’s primary aviation hub. Various shuttle services operate between convenient pickup points and the exhibition venue, streamlining attendee logistics.

Conclusion

Singapore Airshow 2026 represents a pivotal moment for the global aerospace and defence sectors. As the industry navigates sustainability imperatives, technological advancement, and geopolitical considerations, the gathering of 1,000+ companies from 50+ countries creates an essential platform for collaboration, innovation exchange, and strategic partnership development. Whether your interest lies in commercial aviation, defence capabilities, space technology, or sustainable propulsion systems, Singapore Airshow 2026 offers unparalleled access to the innovations and decision-makers shaping aviation’s future.

The event runs 3–8 February 2026 at Changi Exhibition Centre, Singapore. Industry professionals and interested stakeholders are encouraged to register early to secure optimal networking opportunities and access to specialised programmes.