More companies withdraw from Singapore Airshow on virus fears
Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Co have also pulled out of Singapore Airshow
Singapore: More international aviation companies are withdrawing from the Singapore Airshow as concerns around the novel coronavirus outbreak mount.
Organisers of the event, billed as Asia’s largest aerospace and defence conference, earlier announced it would proceed as scheduled with additional health screening and cleaning measures to reduce risks. The weeklong show is due to kick off on February 11 and run through to February 16.
Participants that have withdrawn include:
Lockheed Martin Corp. and Raytheon Co. have also pulled out while the Pentagon said it would send a smaller delegation than originally planned to the conference, according to Reuters.
Ten Chinese exhibitors previously confirmed their withdrawal. South Korea’s Black Eagles aerobatic team announced it wouldn’t participate this year either.
On Friday, Singapore raised its national disease response to Orange, its second-highest level and the same one used during the SARS epidemic. The government has advised event organisers to cancel or defer non-essential large-scale gatherings, while individuals were encouraged to avoid shaking hands.