Deals for big planes in small supply at the Singapore Airshow

Singapore

DESPITE robust growth in passenger traffic, blockbuster commercial aircraft deals were missing in action at the Singapore Airshow this week.

The world's biggest plane-makers Boeing and Airbus did not unveil any plane orders, even as global passenger traffic is projected to expand at 6 per cent this year.

No major deals were announced on the defence side either.

Instead, the first commercial aircraft order inked this week was from turbo-prop manufacturer ATR, which signed a contract with Bangkok Airways for four new ATR 72-600s worth over US$100 million.

The European plane-maker also an…