Asian Aerospace 2002 Opens:
Singapore Aspires to Be Global Aviation Hub

The 11th Asian Aerospace exhibition was formally opened on Monday evening by Tony Tan Keng Yam, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence. At a ceremony sponsored by Lockheed Martin, Tan outlined his island's plan to expand further its already significant activities in the world of aerospace, with the show playing an important role in publicizing its capabilities.

Singapore has a firm foundation on which to grow, as evidenced by the fact that it already constitutes 10% of the entire Asian repair and overhaul market. It also has the general advantages of being a gateway to Asia, equipped with world-class infrastructure, a skilled workforce and a strong technology base.

Tan's four-point plan begins with broadening and deepening repair and overhaul activities to cater for new aircraft types and technologies. Phase two will maintain the current build-up of supporting industries to sustain a diverse range of aerospace manufacturing activities.

Third, says Tan, "we will strengthen our infrastructure, including our financial and legal infrastructure, to encourage aircraft leasing and consultancy services; and our airport infrastructure to cater for increasing passenger and cargo demands. We will enhance our connectivity through the expansion of our bilateral and multilateral air service agreements".
As a fourth step, "Singapore will invest in efforts to move up the value chain into design and development," adds Tan. "A case in point is the opportunities arising from the heightened demand for safety and security solutions (after September 11). Singapore's strong technological capabilities and air hub status are excellent ingredients for the development and test-bedding of safety and security systems."

By Paul Jackson