A single USAF Boeing C-17 Globemaster III performed daily during the morning aerial display at the Singapore Airshow 2012 and showed off its impressive low speed handling capabilities and agile tactical manoevures to the crowd. Able to carry twice the payload of a IL-76 and offering a unique combination of intercontinental range with short field performance, it is no wonder that the versatile C-17 features prominently in military campaigns and humanitarian aid missions around the world.

Aviation enthusiast rushing to catch a good picture of the ‘Queen of the Skies’  at the Singapore Airshow 2012. On the 6th of April 2012, it will mark the retirement of the Boeing 747 after nearly four decades of service with commemorative flights between Singapore and Hong Kong. Let us pay tribute Boeing 747, the ‘Queen of the Skies’.

Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15SG Strike Eagle (8320) climbing steeply with full afterburners.

Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16C Block 52 Fighting Falcon (642) executing a hard defensive turn with full afterburner.

The Boeing F-15SG performing aerial stunts that never ceases to amaze.

The Smoky Bandits were clearly the highlight of the flying display. There were “smoking”

The Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400 will soon be a thing of the past.

A demonstration flight was organised by Boeing with a small handful of invited media delegates onboard. Boeing had also invited a select group of VIPs to an exclusive event on the rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands … and at about 1830hrs, ZA003 made a total of three passes over the sea. The first pass was a little high but the second and third passes took place at an altitude of just below 2100 feet. It sure was a thrill onboard the Dreamliner as the tight airspace allowed for the circuit meant that steep banking turns were necessary and one could feel the forces of gravity at work – not necessarily in the direction that one normally expects. This was my “Kodak Aviation Moment” – a thrill that I don’t think I can expect to exceed anytime soon. Thank you Boeing, for the invitation to fly on the Dreamliner!

The presence of the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s MIG 29N “Smokey Bandits” was hailed as a sign of warming ties between RMAF and the Republic of Singapore Air Force. The warm reception extended to the Smokey Bandits must have inspired both forces to come together on 14 February 2012 for a photo-session involving the Defence Ministers and Chiefs of Air Force of Malaysia and Singapore. Before the VIPs arrive for the session, there was time for both the MIG 29N and the F15SG to stand alongside one another.

Visitors to the Singapore Airshow 2012 on the morning of 18 February were disappointed to find the Dreamliner missing – she was after all the star of the show that is plastered all over the news. Their disappointment was short-lived at 1100hrs when it was announced that she will make a pass over the show site. Dreamliner ZA003 took off from Changi Airport, made a right turn and flew over the display line – bade Singapore farewell by rocking her wings. And with one final wave, she headed across the Pacific Ocean for her long flight home.