Key Stakeholders to Converge at Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit 2016

Singapore Airshow, Asia’s largest and one of the most important aerospace and defence exhibitions in the world, will once again play host to the Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit (SAALS) 2016 at the Raffles City Convention Centre (RCCC) from 14-15 February 2016.

Jointly organised by the Singapore Ministry of Transport (MOT), Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Experia Events and International Air Transport Association (IATA), the conference will bring together key stakeholders in aviation, including top government representatives, civil aviation authorities and senior executives of airlines, airport operators, aircraft manufacturers as well as the heads of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and IATA to exchange valuable insights, network and strengthen the nexus between governments and the aviation industry.

Taking place every two years, SAALS has established itself as the definitive global aviation conference that offers an unique platform for industry players to engage government officials to advance the strategic interests of the aviation sector.

With the theme “Aviation Tomorrow: Managing New Challenges, Realising New Potentials”, SAALS 2016 will focus on how new ideas and emerging technologies, while presenting new challenges for the sector, could also provide new opportunities and enablers to drive the success of global aviation.

The list of luminaries attending SAALS include Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (the Guest-of-Honour for the opening dinner on 14 February 2016), Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport, Singapore, Dr Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, ICAO Council President and Mr Tony Tyler, Director General & CEO, IATA. Mr Khaw, Dr Aliu and Mr Tyler will deliver the conference’s opening keynotes on 15 February 2016. Ms Violeta Bulc, European Commissioner for Mobility and Transport, will also be delivering a keynote address during the lunch on 15 February 2016.

Other notable speakers include Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Countering Extremism), United Kingdom, Mr Michael Huerta, Administrator, US Federal Aviation Administration, Mr Henrik Hololei, Director General, EC Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, Ms Angela Gittens, Director-General, Airports Council International, Capt Martin Chalk, President, International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, Mr Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO, Ethiopian Airlines, Mr James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways, Mr Willie Walsh, CEO, IAG Group, Mr Christoph Mueller, CEO, Malaysia Airlines and Mr Vikram Widge, Head of Climate and Carbon Finance, World Bank.

“Aviation is a linchpin of the global economy, connecting people, businesses and ideas from all over the world,” said Mr Kevin Shum, Director-General of CAAS and Chairman of the SAALS 2016 Organising Committee. “While growth in the sector remains strong, it also brings with it increased complexities and challenges. Through SAALS, we can catalyse critical conversations among movers and shakers in global aviation to shape the future landscape of aviation and ensure the sustainability of aviation.”

Singapore Airshow 2016 will be held from 16-21 February 2016 at the Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore and is organised by Experia Events.

“With so many prominent stakeholders attending each edition of SAALS, the Summit continues to demonstrate its relevance as an effective platform, driving thought leadership and fostering deeper collaboration among industry players,” said Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events. “It underpins the strategic role that Singapore Airshow plays as one of the most important aviation events in the world, enabling companies to harness the wealth of opportunities in the Asia Pacific and beyond.”