SINGAPORE - ST Engineering has opened a new facility for aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, as Singapore looks to strengthen its position as an aerospace hub.

Officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong on Sept 15, the new multimillion-dollar facility spans about 10,000 sq m and is housed within ST Engineering’s aerospace business compound in Paya Lebar.

It features advanced technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) robots and automated systems that will boost the efficiency of MRO operations.

ST Engineering says the expansion will progressively double the company’s capacity for maintenance of CFM56 and Leap engines, found primarily on narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737 Next Generation, to over 300 engines annually by 2027.

It also has another engine MRO facility in Xiamen, China, which increases its capacity to over 400 engines a year.

It added that the new facility is expected to create over 300 high-value jobs for MRO operations in Singapore.

Technicians and engineers will also be trained to operate the new technologies designed to make their MRO jobs safer and more efficient.

For instance, a robotic arm can now easily remove and replace the worn seals on engine fan cases without a technician having to manually perform the task, which used to take about seven days, and meant dealing with hazardous dust in the process.

Another AI-powered solution cuts down the identification and sorting of part numbers and engine components from 32 hours to eight.

Mr Jeffrey Lam, president of commercial aerospace at ST Engineering, said the expansion reflects the company’s commitment to staying ahead of industry demand and delivering the highest standards in engine MRO.

“As airlines expand and renew their fleets, and with more new-generation Leap engines entering into service, our new capacity and technology-enabled workforce will position us well to support airline and operator customers worldwide.”

ST Engineering’s MRO business started in 1975, when they serviced solely military engines from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

Its portfolio has expanded over the last few decades and today, it serves about 50 airlines.

“ST Engineering’s expansion of its MRO activities for aircraft engines along with the deployment of AI and automation in its facilities will further Singapore’s status as Asia’s leading aerospace hub,” said Mr Jermaine Loy, managing director of the Economic Development Board (EDB).

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He added that ST Engineering’s partnership with local enterprises for MRO operations demonstrates how “leading industry players can leverage Singapore’s vibrant and growing aerospace ecosystem to drive innovation as well as to enhance their business resilience and competitiveness”.

Singapore currently accounts for 10 per cent of global MRO output, with one out of 10 aircraft and one out of five engines globally serviced in Singapore.

The MRO sector is also a critical part of the Republic’s Manufacturing 2030 vision of growing its manufacturing value-add by 50 per cent by 2030.

In August, EDB reported that the aerospace sector saw a 22.7 per cent increase in manufacturing output in July, bolstered by higher production of aircraft parts and sustained MRO jobs from commercial airlines.

According to management consulting firm Oliver Wyman, the global MRO business is expected to reach US$119 billion (S$152.6 billion) this year and projected to hit US$156 billion by 2035.

An increase in older aircraft and flying hours will lead to airlines requiring more maintenance for their fleet, and earlier than anticipated.

In Asia, the MRO sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.5 per cent between 2025 and 2035.

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