SINGAPORE: The Singapore Airshow, Asia’s biggest aerospace gathering, will go ahead as planned next week despite China’s virus epidemic prompting some firms to pull out, but a key meeting of aviation officials has been cancelled, organisers said.
The trade portion of the airshow, held every two years, is set to begin on Feb 11 under the shadow of the virus outbreak that has prompted measures by several nations, including the wealthy city-state, to contain the spread of infections.
Singapore banned entry to all Chinese visitors and foreigners with a recent history of travel to China, which had raised concerns over the staging of the event.
The move comes as the death toll in mainland China from the flu-like virus rose to 425, with two other fatalities reported in Hong Kong and the Philippines.
The World Health Organization last week declared the virus, which has spread to almost two dozen countries, a global emergency.
“In view of the evolving 2019 novel coronavirus situation, the organiser will introduce enhanced precautionary measures to safeguard the well-being and safety of all attendees,” Experia Events Pte Ltd said in a statement yesterday.
Additional temperature screenings will be conducted at the show’s access points.
However, Experia said an aviation leadership summit scheduled on the eve of the event will be cancelled as this will allow aviation executives to work out responses to the virus outbreak.
Aviation data firm OAG said there will be over 25,000 fewer flights operated to, from and within China this week compared to two weeks ago, with 30 airlines halting services.
Citing industry sources, Reuters reported earlier that the summit, which was to involve 300 aviation executives, comprising government officials, civil aviation authorities and airline executives, had been cancelled. — Reuters
The trade portion of the airshow, held every two years, is set to begin on Feb 11 under the shadow of the virus outbreak that has prompted measures by several nations, including the wealthy city-state, to contain the spread of infections.
Singapore banned entry to all Chinese visitors and foreigners with a recent history of travel to China, which had raised concerns over the staging of the event.
The move comes as the death toll in mainland China from the flu-like virus rose to 425, with two other fatalities reported in Hong Kong and the Philippines.
The World Health Organization last week declared the virus, which has spread to almost two dozen countries, a global emergency.
“In view of the evolving 2019 novel coronavirus situation, the organiser will introduce enhanced precautionary measures to safeguard the well-being and safety of all attendees,” Experia Events Pte Ltd said in a statement yesterday.
Additional temperature screenings will be conducted at the show’s access points.
However, Experia said an aviation leadership summit scheduled on the eve of the event will be cancelled as this will allow aviation executives to work out responses to the virus outbreak.
Aviation data firm OAG said there will be over 25,000 fewer flights operated to, from and within China this week compared to two weeks ago, with 30 airlines halting services.
Citing industry sources, Reuters reported earlier that the summit, which was to involve 300 aviation executives, comprising government officials, civil aviation authorities and airline executives, had been cancelled. — Reuters
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