A military personnel of the Singapore Armed Forces prepares for the opening of the Singapore Airshow at Singapore's Changi Exhibition Center, Feb. 16, 2016. The Singapore Airshow kicked off here on Tuesday. The airshow is only for trade professionals from Feb. 16 to 19, while it will be open to the public on Feb. 20 and 21. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

The Singapore Airshow, Asia's largest and one of the most important aerospace and defence exhibitions in the world, kicked off Tuesday with a renewed focus on driving global aviation industry trends and developments.

The event will serve as the key gateway for global players looking to tap into the fast growing Asia Pacific region.

Singapore's Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure Khaw Boon Wan and Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen attended the opening ceremony.

This year's event will see the participation of an impressive list of top global aerospace and defence companies. 75 percent of the more than 1,000 participating companies from some 50 countries are returning exhibitors, including 65 of the top 100 global aerospace companies.

France has been designated as the Feature Country for Singapore Airshow 2016, given its thriving aerospace and defence sectors.

Country representation is also robust at this year's edition, featuring 20 country groups and pavilions, of which the Philippines and Indonesia country pavilions are participating in the Singapore Airshow for the first time.

Last time's Airshow inked deals worth 32 billion U.S. dollars. This year, the organizer, Experia Events hopes to reach a similar deal value.

The Airshow will be taking place from Feb. 16 to Feb. 21, with the last two days open to the public.

A military personnel of the Singapore Armed Forces prepares for the opening of the Singapore Airshow at Singapore's Changi Exhibition Center, Feb. 16, 2016. The Singapore Airshow kicked off here on Tuesday. The airshow is only for trade professionals from Feb. 16 to 19, while it will be open to the public on Feb. 20 and 21.