SIA Engineering Company to provide engine maintenance services for CFM LEAP-1A and -1B engines

Mainboard-listed SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) has announced the opening of its new Aircraft Engine Services (AES) facility in Singapore to provide engine maintenance services to Safran Aircraft Engines (SAE).

SIAEC, which invested approximately S$9.0 million to develop the facility, will provide engine quick turn (QT) and modification embodiment services for both CFM LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines at this engine shop.

With a production gross floor area of approximately 20,935 sq ft, AES is equipped with the latest engine QT processes, and state-of-the-art equipment and technology, including the use of a remote guided vehicle (RGV) for transporting engines, one of the first in the aviation industry.

The facility can perform at least 60 QTs per year as well as on-site support and borescope inspection services for the CFM LEAP -1A and -1B engines. In addition, AES has 50% more capacity to cope with surge demands.

The CFM LEAP engines are the next-generation engines replacing the matured V2500s and CFM56s. LEAP-1A engines are used for the Airbus A320neo while LEAP-1B engines are used for the Boeing 737 MAX, both narrowbody aircraft. There are 3,971 LEAP engines in service for 127 operators as of 31 December 2021 and more than 19,000 total orders.

AES provides the added capabilities and capacity for SIAEC to grow its comprehensive suite of engine-related services to its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners and airline customers. This includes engine QT maintenance which involves specific work to minimise engine time off-wing, thereby optimising both engine availability and reliability on-wing. It will enhance support for the engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services (MRO) value chain by increasing engine repair network capacity, reducing turnaround time and minimising aircraft downtime for the airlines.

Mr Ng Chin Hwee, SIAEC’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “With this new facility, SIAEC will be amongst the first engine MRO shops in the region to provide enhanced engine maintenance services support for the next-gen CFM LEAP-1A and -1B powered aircraft.

“While AES is dedicated to serving SAE currently, we hope to extend our services to a wider market in future as a recovery in global air travel leads to greater demand for quick turn maintenance and shorter engine turnaround, particularly those on narrowbody aircraft.

“The opening of AES reflects the continual growth of the engine MRO and capabilities of our Engine Services Division. We continue to engage and collaborate with our OEM partners with a focus on creating value and bringing enhanced services to our OEM partners and airline customers.”

Ms Lim Ai Ting, JTC’s Director of Aerospace and Marine Cluster, said: “SIAEC’s latest facility is a testament to the industry’s confidence in Singapore’s strong foundations and commitment to grow the aviation and aerospace sectors. Riding on the industry’s recovery, we are expecting more facility expansions and openings in Changi and Seletar Aerospace Park this year.”