Singapore Airshow 2020 still on; SAALS cancelled

Experia Events, organiser of the Singapore Airshow 2020, has confirmed that the biennial event will proceed as planned from 11-16 February at the Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC).

Due to the evolving status of the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak however, enhanced precautionary measures to safeguard the wellbeing and safety of all attendees are being introduced.

In addition to the current measures called out for at DORSCON yellow - enhanced cleaning and refuse management to maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, availing hand sanitisers to attendees, and a team of doctors and medics to attend to visitors who are feeling unwell - additional temperature screening will be put in place at Singapore Expo and CEC access points.

Experia Events Managing Director Leck Chet Lam said: “The health and wellbeing of our attendees is of the utmost priority. Alongside these additional measures, we will also continue to take reference from guidelines provided by the authorities such as Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH).”

Singapore’s recent travel restrictions and company policies on employee travel bans during this period are expected to reduce the number of exhibitors and visitors.

Ten exhibitors from China and another six exhibitors from four countries have so far confirmed non-participation in the airshow. South Korea's air force has also confirmed that its Black Eagles aerobatic team will not be participating at the Singapore Airshow 2020, as part of the Korea’s broader precautions against the novel coronavirus situation.

“In the coming week, we are focused on delivering the show while ensuring the overall safety of our attendees. During this period, we will continue to work with the relevant authorities and do our utmost to offer support to our exhibitors, partners and visitors who require assistance,” added Leck.

The Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit (SAALS) 2020, a component of the airshow program involving 300 aviation leaders, comprising government officials, civil aviation authorities, airport operators and airline executives, will unfortunately not take place this year. This will allow many of the aviation leaders who are deeply involved in working out the responses to the novel coronavirus outbreak to focus on exigencies related to the ongoing situation.