The Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry has outlined details of its Aerospace Industry Transformation Map (ITM), launched on January 17 and designed to keep Singapore competitive and relevant in the worldwide aerospace sector, building on significant advances made up to now. In 2016, the country's aerospace industry achieved a level of economic value-added of S$3.35 billion (US$2.54 billion), and it employs 21,000 people.
The ITM aims to achieve a manufacturing value-added figure of S$4 billion (US$3.03 billion) and introduce 1,000 new jobs by 2020.
The idea is to not only further strengthen Singapore’s aerospace expertise in areas such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), but also to venture into new and emerging technologies to keep Singapore ahead of the curve.
There are three core ITM Strategies—pursuing operational excellence, driving innovation in emerging technologies, and equipping Singaporeans with relevant skills. The Economy Development Board (EDB) will spearhead the ITM.
Today, Singapore’s MRO contributes to 10 percent of global output. Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has concluded an aviation maintenance agreement with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and an airworthiness certification agreement with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Both provide mutual recognition of airworthiness papers and documentation.
“Leveraging our manufacturing and MRO base, and connectivity to the rest of APAC, Singapore is well positioned to be the APAC hub for in-market premium aftermarket services for OEMs. With Asia-Pacific demand driving the rapid growth of the global commercial aircraft fleet, there is a growing need for in-market aftermarket support services to better serve the growing fleet,” said Tan Kong Hwee executive director, transport engineering, Singapore Economic Development Board.
In the last two years, the EDB was responsible for establishing numerous new aviation firms, such as Eagle Services Asia, Thales, and Sabena Technics, although they do not facilitate business-to-business deals.
“Aside for financial incentives, companies also seek connections. Many could be in Singapore for the first time and are not sure how to find the right partners.“ Tan explained the role of the EDB: “We also help investors understand the value propositions of Singapore and assist in finding the suitable real estate for them.”
Tan also revealed that the Jurong Town Cooperation (JTC) will be opening up Phase 3 development of the Seletar Aerospace Park, and has 60 hectares (140 acres) of land open for potential investors.
Looking ahead, EDB aims to increase the aerospace sector’s productivity, not only by encouraging companies to invest in technology, but also by upgrading the skills of the aviation work force. Singapore Aerospace Manufacturing (SAM), an Accuron Technologies subsidiary, is investing in advanced automation equipment, as well as software and engineering capabilities to upgrade existing lines to manufacture next-generation aircraft components. It expects productivity gains of up to 30 percent.
The government forecasts that the global trend for unmanned systems, digital, and advanced manufacturing technologies will create demands for robotics engineers, data scientists and additive manufacturing (3D printing) design engineers. EDB is also involved in a joint program to explore new skills and opportunities for 86 job roles in the sector under the Skills Framework.