Asian carriers lift Singapore Airshow deals to new high

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SINGAPORE-

Singapore Airshow organisers on Friday announced a record high of more than $32 billion in deals as Asian carriers ordered more aircraft to meet explosive demand for cheap, short-range travel.

European manufacturer Airbus accounted for nearly half of the total, with almost $15 billion worth of orders for its popular A320 single-aisle plane and flagship A380 superjumbo.

The total figure beats the previous record of $31 billion set during the 2012 edition of the biennial event, and was more than triple the $10 billion spent in 2010.

It is Asia’s largest combined aviation and defence show, with more than 1,000 exhibitors from 47 countries participating.

Trade days ended Friday and the exhibition will be open to the public over the weekend.

Emerging Asian carriers were the stars of the airshow, forging deals that underscored the region’s importance as the growth driver of global aviation.

Jimmy Lau, managing director of Experia Events which organised the airshow, predicted an “upward trend” for smaller aircraft plying domestic routes.

“The people who will be likely making good inroads are (firms such as) Embraer and Bombardier who will be selling their regional jets to countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia,” Lau said during a press conference.