SNAPSHOT-Singapore Airshow

Feb 6 (Reuters) - Singapore this week held its biennial air show, showcasing airplanes, parts, drones and weapons as the industry juggles growing demand for air travel with geopolitical challenges and chronic supply constraints.

TOP STORIES

• China used the air show to flex its military and aviation muscle, drawing heavy attention from regional delegations as Beijing sharpens its bid for influence in Southeast Asia.

• Years after the pandemic, the aviation industry is still struggling to recover from supply chain disruptions that have been exacerbated by record passenger demand and geopolitical challenges.

• Several U.S. drone firms made their debuts at the Singapore Airshow, seeking to expand their business beyond the Pentagon to countries in Asia that are increasingly concerned about the threat posed by China's military build-up.

CIVIL AVIATION

• The civil aviation industry is looking to meet ambitious regional growth targets despite widespread supply chain shortages that have delayed many aircraft deliveries.

• Shortages of efficient new aircraft and alternative fuels are pushing up profits for suppliers and putting at risk the industry's flagship emissions goal, said the head of a body representing global airlines.

• Aviation leaders tackled barriers to growth and the impact of geopolitical tensions, while reaffirming pledges to reduce emissions.

• Airbus' AIR.PA main aircraft production target hangs in the balance as the planemaker remains without a supply deal with engine maker Pratt & Whitney RTX.N.

• Rolls-Royce RR.L defended recent price rises and improvements in performance after airlines accused engine makers of profiting from supply chain problems.

• Boeing BA.N expects to begin delivering improved 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners to airlines in the first half of this year, enabling longer flights or greater cargo capability.

DEFENCE AND SPACE

• Germany is weighing investments ranging from spy satellites and space planes to offensive lasers under a military space spending plan aimed at countering growing threats from Russia and China in orbit.

• Boeing is no longer building F-15 fighter jets for Indonesia, ending what was a marquee deal for Jakarta's military expansion.

• Singapore will launch its own space agency on April 1 as it bids to "fully harness the value and opportunities of the growing global space economy".

DRONES

• ST Engineering STEG.SI launched the DrN-600, a large all-electric vertical take-off-and-landing cargo drone, and announced partnerships with ferry operators for its crewed hovercraft-like AirFish Voyager.

• United Aircraft Group, a fast-growing Chinese drone manufacturer, is planning an initial public offering as early as next year as it ramps up production and expands internationally.

• Chinese civil drone maker Aerospace Times Feipeng is accelerating its global expansion push with a focus on Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as it seeks to navigate intense domestic competition.

• ST Engineering is working with Shield AI to implement its Hivemind solution, a set of artificial intelligence software tools to enable autonomy for drones.

ORDERS

• Cambodia's national airline, Air Cambodia, ordered 10 Boeing 737 MAX jets, saying the deal underscored deepening relations with the United States.

• Low-cost carrier Tigerair Taiwan 6757.TW ordered four A321neo planes to support its network expansion and improve fuel efficiency.

• Chinese planemaker COMAC said China's Shanxi Victory General Aviation signed a letter of intent for six C909 firefighting aircraft that included three firm orders and three intentional orders.

• Vietnamese budget airline Vietjet VJC.HM struck a deal with Pratt & Whitney to supply GTF engines for 44 Airbus planes.