How robust is Asia’s air transport market, given recent evidence of softening demand and financial strain in countries such as India and Malaysia? This week’s Singapore Airshow might provide some answers, with a number of new orders widely anticipated, including a likely deal for regional airliners from Indonesia carrier Garuda. Already confirmed is the fact that the 2012 Singapore show (February 14-19) will be the largest yet, with the amount of covered exhibit space being 25 percent larger than for the previous 2010 event at 50,000 sq m (12.5 acres). The 100,000 sq m (25 acres) of static display is packed with more than 65 aircraft compared with just 50 in 2010. Making a big impression on its Singapore debut will be Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, which is in town as part of an extended world tour. Russia’s Irkut has brought a full-size cabin mock-up of its in-development MC-21 narrowbody.
