This article is based on an official press release from Experia Events via PR Newswire and additional industry data.

Singapore Airshow 2026 to Mark 20-Year Milestone as APAC Leads Global Aviation Growth

The Singapore Airshow is set to return for its 10th edition from February 3 to 8, 2026, at the Changi Exhibition Centre. Organized by Experia Events Pte Ltd, this upcoming iteration carries the theme “20 Years of Shaping the Aerospace Landscape,” celebrating two decades since the event established itself as a standalone strategic catalyst for the global aerospace and defense sectors.

According to the official announcement, the 2026 event arrives at a pivotal moment for the region. Industry data indicates that the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is projected to account for 52% of global aviation industry growth in 2025. This surge is driven by the world’s highest growth rates for both passenger and cargo traffic, cementing the airshow’s status as a critical marketplace for future aviation technology and policy.

Asia-Pacific: The Engine of Global Aviation

The timing of the 2026 Airshow aligns with a massive resurgence in regional demand. Research data cited in reports surrounding the event highlights that APAC airlines are forecast to see a 9% year-on-year increase in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK) in 2025. Furthermore, passenger load factors are projected to reach 84.4%, an all-time high for the region, signaling robust demand and capacity constraints that airlines must address.

While passenger travel rebounds, the cargo sector remains resilient. Despite global trade complexities, APAC air cargo demand reportedly grew by 5.6% in 2025, fueled largely by e-commerce expansion and supply chain adaptations. To support this volume, the region is undertaking significant infrastructure projects, including the development of Changi Airport Terminal 5 and upgrades at major hubs in India and the Philippines.

New Frontiers: Space, Sustainability, and Mobility

Beyond traditional commercial and defense aviation, the 2026 edition will expand its scope to address emerging sectors that are redefining the industry.

The Inaugural Space Summit 2026

Preceding the main exhibition, the inaugural Space Summit will take place from February 2–3, 2026. With the global space economy projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, this summit will focus on “New Frontiers: Shaping a Responsible and Inclusive Space Future.” Key topics will include treating satellites as critical national infrastructure, navigating dual-use technologies, and utilizing earth observation data for climate resilience.

“The global space economy is growing at record rates… Singapore’s established role as a hub for aerospace and technology makes it the natural home for the Space Summit.”

, Experia Events Press Statement

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Sustainability and the SAF Levy

A central policy focus for the 2026 show will be the implementation of Singapore’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Levy. Originally announced at the 2024 show, this mechanism charges a levy on departing passengers to fund the purchase of SAF, aiming for a 1% uplift target in 2026. This initiative positions Singapore as a policy leader in the region, moving the industry from voluntary pledges to mandatory market mechanisms.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

Building on momentum from 2024, which saw participation from major eVTOL players like Supernal and Lilium, the 2026 edition is expected to feature operational prototypes. Discussions will likely center on the regulatory frameworks required to integrate electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft into dense urban airspace.

Historical Legacy and Economic Impact

The “20 Years” milestone commemorates the show’s evolution since its inauguration in 2008. The event has transitioned from the “Superconnector” era of 2010–2018,defined by massive widebody orders from Gulf and Asian carriers,to a more diversified platform focusing on technology and sustainability.

The economic footprint of the event is significant. According to post-event data, the 2024 edition generated over S$391 million in economic activity. Organizers expect the 2026 edition to match or exceed this figure, with projected attendance surpassing the record of approximately 60,000 trade visitors set in 2024.

“The key here is not just the numbers. We have 90% of the top 20 global aerospace companies here… making this a very good platform to discuss the future of aviation.”

, Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events

AirPro News Analysis

The shift in focus for the Singapore Airshow 2026 reflects a broader maturation in the Asian aerospace market. In previous decades, the headlines were dominated almost exclusively by order book totals,how many hundreds of jets were sold to rapidly expanding carriers. While fleet renewal remains vital, the inclusion of a dedicated Space Summit and the operational start of the SAF levy suggests that stakeholders are now prioritizing infrastructure resilience and regulatory leadership over pure capacity expansion.

We observe that Singapore is leveraging this event to secure its role not just as a transit hub, but as a “policy sandbox” for the region. By mandating SAF usage and hosting high-level space dialogues, the Airshow is pivoting to become a forum where the rules of the next generation of aerospace are written, rather than just a showroom where hardware is bought.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Singapore Airshow 2026?
The event runs from February 3 to 8, 2026. The first four days are typically reserved for trade visitors, while the final weekend (Feb 7-8) usually opens to the public.

Where is the event located?
It will be held at the Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore.

What is the “Weekend@Airshow”?
This is the public access portion of the event, featuring aerial displays from air forces and commercial manufacturers, along with family-friendly activities.

Sources

• PR Newswire / Yahoo Finance
• Experia Events / Singapore Airshow Official Data

Aircraft Lessors Remain Resilient Amidst 2026 Geopolitical and Financial Risks

Despite a global landscape fractured by trade disputes, rising interest rates, and what industry insiders are calling a “transatlantic rift,” the global aircraft leasing sector projects a unified stance of confidence. According to reporting by Reuters from the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Dublin 2026 conference, top executives believe the industry is insulated from broader macroeconomic shocks by a single, undeniable reality: a severe shortage of aircraft.

The conference, which serves as the premier annual gathering for aviation finance, took place in late January 2026 against a backdrop of “jittery markets.” Reuters reports that while risks are accumulating, ranging from a $19.3 billion refinancing wall to potential U.S. tariffs on European goods, lessors are successfully “steering a steady course.”

The prevailing sentiment in Dublin was that the fundamental imbalance between high travel demand and low aircraft supply has created “guardrails” for the sector. With lessors now managing approximately 50% of the global commercial fleet, their role as critical intermediaries has never been more pronounced.

Supply Shortages Create Market ‘Guardrails’

The primary driver of industry optimism is the chronic inability of manufacturers to meet delivery targets. According to the Reuters report, production delays at both Airbus and Boeing have kept lease rates high and asset values stable. This scarcity effectively protects lessors from the downturns that might otherwise result from economic volatility.

Steven Udvar-Hazy, Chairman of Air Lease Corporation, emphasized the magnitude of this demand during the conference.

“Backlogs have reached almost stratospheric levels.”

— Steven Udvar-Hazy, via Reuters

The reporting highlights a specific supply chain phenomenon known as “gliders”, newly built jets sitting at factories without engines due to component shortages. While this is a frustration for airlines desperate for capacity, it reinforces the pricing power of lessors who hold available inventory. Tom Baker, CEO of Aviation Capital Group, described the market to Reuters as “shockingly stable,” crediting the lack of supply for insulating the sector from the usual cyclical downturns.

Navigating the ‘Transatlantic Rift’ and Financial Pressures

While the supply-demand dynamic is positive, the Reuters report details significant headwinds facing the sector in 2026. These risks are categorized into geopolitical tensions and direct financial hurdles.

The Geopolitical Trade War

A major theme at the Dublin conference was the deepening diplomatic dispute between the U.S. administration and European allies. Reuters identifies this as a “transatlantic rift,” triggered specifically by U.S. proposals regarding Greenland and subsequent threats of tariffs on European goods.

These tensions threaten to disrupt the traditionally tariff-free status of aircraft trading. However, industry leaders noted that the inherent mobility of their assets allows them to navigate trade barriers more effectively than fixed industries. Firoz Tarapore, CEO of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, offered a cautionary note in the report, warning that “knee-jerk reactions” from governments regarding trade policy could evolve into “chronic” issues for the global economy.

The $19.3 Billion Refinancing Wall

Financially, the sector faces a massive maturity deadline. Reuters cites data indicating that approximately $19.3 billion in senior corporate debt is set to mature in 2026. This “refinancing wall” comes at a time when interest rates remain high, increasing the cost of capital.

Additionally, the report highlights concerns over a U.S. proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10%. This policy could severely impact airline loyalty programs, which are major profit centers for carriers, potentially weakening the creditworthiness of the airlines that lease these jets.

Executive Sentiment: Focus on Execution

The Reuters coverage contrasts the views of various industry titans regarding how manufacturers should proceed. Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap, dismissed recent market volatility, including spikes in gold prices, as “excessive reactions.” His advice to manufacturers was blunt:

“Focus on the factory.”

— Aengus Kelly, via Reuters

Kelly urged Airbus to prioritize delivering existing orders rather than launching new jet models. This contrasted slightly with Udvar-Hazy, who expressed support for a larger version of the Airbus A220 to fill specific market niches. Meanwhile, Lars Wagner, the newly appointed CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, used the conference to commit to “execution” and production ramp-ups.

AirPro News Analysis

The Disconnect Between Macro-Chaos and Micro-Stability

The reporting from Dublin illustrates a fascinating disconnect in the 2026 aviation landscape. On the macro level, the indicators are flashing red: trade wars, high interest rates, and political unpredictability. Yet, on the micro level of aircraft leasing, the indicators are green. This resilience is not accidental; it is structural.

Because manufacturers cannot build planes fast enough to meet travel demand, the asset class itself, the aircraft, has become a store of value comparable to gold in this specific cycle. Furthermore, the leasing model provides a geopolitical hedge. When a “transatlantic rift” occurs, a factory cannot move, but a leased aircraft can be redomiciled or repossessed and moved to a neutral jurisdiction. This mobility is the “guardrail” that allows lessors to sleep soundly while the broader markets remain jittery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “refinancing wall” mentioned in the report?

It refers to the approximately $19.3 billion in senior corporate debt within the aviation leasing sector that is maturing in 2026, requiring companies to refinance at potentially higher interest rates.

How does the U.S. credit card proposal affect airlines?

The proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% could reduce the profitability of airline loyalty (frequent flyer) programs, which are often tied to co-branded credit cards. This could reduce overall airline revenue and credit quality.

What are “gliders” in the context of aviation?

The term refers to newly manufactured aircraft that are fully built but are sitting at factories waiting for engines due to supply chain shortages.

Sources

• Reuters

This article summarizes reporting by AviTrader and Heike Tamm.

Falko Secures US$672 Million Financing for Regional Aircraft Fund II

Falko Regional Aircraft Limited, a leading asset manager specializing in the regional Commercial-Aircraft sector, has successfully closed a significant financing facility valued at US$672 million. According to reporting by AviTrader, the transaction was finalized in December 2025 and is intended to refinance existing debt within the Falko Regional Aircraft Opportunities Fund II (Fund II).

The deal underscores the continued financial viability of the regional aircraft market, specifically the 50–150 seat segment. As noted in the report by Heike Tamm, the facility is secured by a portfolio of 68 aircraft, providing a robust collateral base for the lending consortium.

Transaction Details and Lenders

The US$672 million facility involves a syndicate of major global financial institutions, highlighting strong market confidence in Falko’s asset management strategy. Based on data regarding the deal structure, the lead arrangers and structuring agents included:

• Citibank, N.A.
• Deutsche Bank AG (New York Branch)
• Goldman Sachs Bank USA
• Bank of America, N.A.
• Royal Bank of Canada

According to the coverage, the primary purpose of this capital injection is to refinance existing debt facilities associated with Fund II. This move optimizes the capital structure of the fund, which was originally launched in 2019 as a vintage buyout fund targeting regional aviation assets.

Fund II Portfolio and Strategy

Falko’s Fund II is dedicated to the regional sector, a niche that has shown resilience amidst broader aviation supply chain constraints. While a specific itemized list of the 68 aircraft serving as collateral was not released, the fund’s strategy focuses on generating stable cash flows through operating leases.

Industry data indicates that the portfolio likely includes a mix of modern regional jets and turboprops. Common asset types in Falko’s broader management portfolio include Embraer E-Jets (E170/E175/E190/E195), Bombardier CRJ900s, and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprops. These aircraft are typically leased to major flag carriers and regional operators globally, with recent activity involving carriers such as LOT Polish Airlines and Air Canada.

Corporate Ownership Context

This financing event follows a major corporate transition for Falko. In December 2024, just prior to this deal, HPS Investment Partners, LLC completed its acquisition of Falko from Chorus Aviation Inc. The sale, valued at approximately US$1.9 billion, transferred Falko to HPS, a global credit investment firm with over $100 billion in assets under management. This change in ownership appears to have provided Falko with substantial backing to execute large-scale financial maneuvers like the Fund II refinancing.

AirPro News Analysis

The Resilience of Regional Aviation

The successful closure of a US$672 million facility with top-tier banks suggests that the financial markets view regional aviation assets as a stable, bankable asset class. Despite the volatility often seen in the widebody market, the 50–150 seat segment remains vital for connecting secondary cities to major hubs.

We observe that persistent delivery delays from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus have forced airlines to extend leases on existing aircraft. This dynamic keeps utilization rates and lease rates high for mid-life regional jets. For lessors like Falko, this supply shortage creates a favorable environment for refinancing, as the underlying asset values remain robust due to high demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Falko Regional Aircraft Opportunities Fund II?
Fund II is a vintage buyout fund launched by Falko in 2019. It targets investments in the regional aircraft sector, specifically aircraft with 50 to 150 seats.

Who are the lenders for this facility?
The facility was arranged by a consortium including Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and Royal Bank of Canada.

What assets secure the loan?
The US$672 million facility is secured by a portfolio of 68 regional aircraft managed under Fund II.

Sources

• AviTrader