More than 90 military and commercial aircraft from some 47 countries will be on display at this year's Singapore Airshow which opens at the Changi Exhibition Centre on Tuesday. This is up from 72 aircraft two years ago.

Twenty-two national pavilions displaying flight equipment from their respective countries are also up - first time participants include Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Show organiser Experia Events said at an official media conference on Sunday morning that this year's show is "bigger and better".

Noting that the 40,000 sq m of exhibition space has been fully booked, Experia's managing director Mr Jimmy Lau also said that three exhibitors had even built double decks to accommodate their displays. He also told The Straits Times that more than 45,000, or more than 60 per cent, of the 80,000 public tickets have been sold.

United States ambassador to Singapore H E Kirk Wagar also highlighted his country's participation as a "feature country" this year, with more than 160 companies taking part.

A key highlight is the Airbus A350 WXB, which will be on its first full international display. It arrived last night and will be here for two and a half days, added Mr Lau.

Other highlights include an indoor drone showcase by the Nanyang Technological University, where 12 custom-made drones will fly in formation, as well as the American MV-22 Osprey.