Flight International: Singapore show report

This weeks Flight International (21 February) is out now, and marks a debut. It's the first time an edition of the weekly has been largely produced and printed overseas. Copies of the Singapore Airshow issue were distributed to those attending the event...on 16 February, five days ahead of official publication.

The issue itself has a six-page report on a show, which - as the coverline suggests - really saw the region's "tigers", both airlines and governments, assert themselves in the marketplace. Indonesia's Lion Air may not be a tiger in name, but it roared into the headlines with a launch order for the longest version of the new Boeing 737 Max, the -9. It was one of several significant airline deals inked at the show, including a welcome contract for the CRJ1000 for Bombardier.

On the military side, Lockheed was bullish about Asian prospects for its F-35 following its win in Japan, while Boeing acknowledged its AH-64D was "last man standing" in India's attack helicopter competition.

There were plenty of programme updates too. Airbus announced firm plans for a passenger-to-freighter conversion of its A330 twinjet, whereas Boeing provided more details about its 787-9 schedule.

The issue is not all about Singapore, with news of an ultra-long-range 777 plan and the maiden flight of the European Vega launcher. There is also a report from Heli-Expo and our usual comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in the world of operations and safety.

The Environment special looks at the likelihood of creating viable jet fuel from alcohol, green taxiing systems designed to cut down on engine use at airports and Europe's highly contentious emissions trading system (ETS).