Randy's Journal: Archives

22 February 2006

Uniquely Singapore

The advertising campaign promoting Singapore tourism these days is called, "Uniquely Singapore." My uniquely Singapore moments began the night I got into town for the Asian Aerospace 2006 show, and they haven't let up since.

I began my visit here with a marathon three-hour session of eating Singapore chili crab and enjoying Tiger Beer with two of my marketing colleagues. It is a must-do tradition.

And the fun continued the next morning as we sat in traffic - absolutely still - for 30 minutes on a crowded bus. To be fair to Singapore, this is a somewhat typical air show experience on the first day of a show.

Boeing has an impressive exhibit area at Asian Aerospace. Lots of crowds milling about looking at our displays and videos. My milling consisted of a great number of meetings with customers and media. And more media. And more media! But I wouldn't miss it for the world. There's no better way to see a lot of important journalists in a short period of time, and compare notes on what's going on in the industry.

One of the big hits of the exhibit area this year has been the video of the 747-8. It generated a lot of crowds and plenty of buzz. I'll have more to say on that great new program in another post.

Some news is being made here this week. SpiceJet, of India, announced it would purchase 10 additional 737s, and we had a signing ceremony at our exhibit.

Singapore Airlines, of course, has a large contingent here at the show. We've seen all sorts of folks from SIA, including engineers, maintenance employees, and a few dozen 777 and 747 pilots. Of course, the A380 is here in the airline's livery, and that is also a big draw this year.

Many other airlines are here in force too. This continues to be a big show, drawing interest not only from around Asia-Pacific, but other global markets as well. And this year's crowds tell me the market is still going strong. We have a lot to look forward to as an industry in 2006.

Well, off to the next appointment. And more to come on the 747-8.