AAIS participated in Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 from 20–24 July, engaging international counterparts, industry partners and stakeholders on industry developments and opportunities for closer collaboration.
In particular:
- GIFAS: AAIS discussed closer coordination and potential joint activities in Singapore, building on GIFAS’ growing presence in the region through its Singapore-based representative for GIFAS South East Asia & Far East Asia Network (SEAFAN).
- ADS, BDLI, SJAC, Aero Excellence International and other industry stakeholders: AAIS exchanged views on industry developments, international collaboration and areas of common interest, while exploring opportunities to strengthen connections with the Singapore aerospace community.
As a founding member, AAIS also participated in the 4th Global Aerospace Cluster Partnership (GACP) Summit on 24 July at the Science Museum in London. Sponsored by the Government of Brazil and the Brazilian Aerospace Cluster, the Summit brought together international aerospace cluster and industry leaders to discuss global industry priorities. The programme featured insights from Embraer, Aviation Week and Hamburg Aviation’s Windrove, alongside interactive discussions on global talent shortages and the role of governments in supporting aerospace clusters and industry growth.
FIA 2026 centred on three themes: Advancing Aerospace, Propelling Defence and Pioneering Space. Among the key observations from the show:
- Strong commercial aerospace demand: Airbus, Boeing and Embraer collectively secured significant aircraft commitments, pointing to sustained demand across the commercial aerospace value chain and MRO opportunities over the coming decades.
- Engine MRO remains a key opportunity: The Pratt & Whitney GTF and CFM LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B programmes featured prominently, providing indications of future engine MRO demand and potential directions for MRO investment and talent development. Opportunities also extend to avionics, landing gear, composite materials, aerostructures and other systems.
- Supply chain pressures remain: Supply chain resilience continues to be a common concern across the industry. According to IATA, supply chain disruptions cost the airline industry more than US$11 billion in 2025, through delayed fuel savings, additional maintenance costs, engine leasing expenses and increased spare parts inventory.
- Growth requires discernment: While the aerospace market continues to benefit from strong demand, the scale and long-term nature of aircraft programmes underline the importance of sound business judgement and disciplined investment decisions across the supply chain.
- Defence is increasingly intertwined with aerospace: Defence was a feature of FIA 2026, with growing attention on defence capabilities and sustainment. This also points to opportunities in defence MRO and supporting capabilities.
- Space needs stronger demand signals: Discussions around space focused not only on technology, but also on how to catalyse demand and finance larger-scale satellite constellations and systems projects. A Finance Summit examined the potential roles of governments, sovereign wealth funds and commercial investors in supporting the sector. These discussions resonate with themes explored at SPACETIDE 2026 in Tokyo earlier in July.
AAIS will continue to build on these relationships and bring relevant insights, connections and opportunities back to Singapore, supporting the continued growth and international connectivity of the Singapore aerospace community.
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