Singapore, Feb 16 (IANS): The fifth biennial Singapore Airshow opened on Tuesday, showcasing over 1,000 aviation and defence exhibits from 50 different countries.

"We are building on current capabilities to develop Singapore into a globally recognized aerospace economy, capable of providing design, engineering, production and after market services for the world's major aircraft programs," said S.Iswaran, Singapore's minister for trade and industry.

The airshow was inaugurated by Infrastructure Minister Khaw Boon Wan and Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.

The five-day event will be attended by government and military personnel, airline executives and 350 delegates from 60 of the leading aerospace manufacturers globally, EFE news reported.

At the start of the conference, the US-based aircraft engine supplier GE Aviation announced a 110-million Singapore dollars ($78 million) investment in a new research centre and aircraft maintenance programme in Singapore, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

During the aerobatic flying display, the US Air Force will unveil its new C-17 Globemaster III, the most flexible cargo plane to join the airlift force for tactical airdrop missions and aeromedical evacuations.

Industry heavyweights are also showcasing cutting-edge technology among their competitors, including a new multi-laser 3-D metal printer for aircraft engine parts that simplifies manufacturing, for example by printing an airplane's fuel nozzle - which normally requires 18 different parts - in just one piece.