Singapore Airshow 2010, Asia's largest and one of the top three aerospace and defense exhibitions in the world, kicked off here on Tuesday.

Despite the downturn, the biannual airshow sees the participation of 800 exhibiting companies from over 40 countries and regions this year, including 62 of the top 100 global aerospace companies. More than 85 percent of the last airshow have returned to this year's show.

Pre-registered attendance numbered 12,000 this year, surpassing that of 8,200 in 2008. The number of country, or group pavilions, also grew from 18 in 2008 to 22 this year.

Bringing the ARJ21 and C919 aircraft models to the show, Tian Min, Chief Finance Officer of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, said the Singapore Airshow is a platform to network and prepare for future opportunities, adding that his company hopes to further introduce the Chinese aircraft to the global aviation market.

The six-day show will also feature flying display as well as new initiatives such as the business forums and the green pavilion.