Past Events

AAIS was pleased to be invited by Rolls-Royce Singapore on 28 November 2023 to facilitate an internal sharing session on the rich history of the aerospace industry in Singapore.  This was held in conjunction with the recent launch of Propel, a commemorative publication by AAIS that delves into the legacy and development of the Singapore aviation and aerospace industries.

The session featured Mr Goh Yong Kiat, the lead author of Propel. Mr Goh kicked off the session by delving into his journey and passion for documenting the history of Singapore’s aerospace industry and his research process, showcasing the various books he has authored on the subject throughout the years. He went on to share captivating historical anecdotes about the development of the industry, touching on the early presence of Rolls Royce in Singapore, and the engines that have powered various aircraft in service over Singapore since.

A self-professed aviation geek, plane spotter and bird watcher, Mr Goh also shared many photos and images that that vividly illustrated the evolution of aviation and aerospace infrastructure as well as historical decisions and milestones in Singapore’s aviation history.

At the end of the enriching session, participants also engaged in a Q&A with Mr Goh and took the opportunity to have their copies of Propel personally signed.

The Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) proudly marked the culmination of its 20th Anniversary activities with an industry Gala Dinner held on 9 November 2023 at the Singapore Island Country Club. Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Culture, Community and Youth, graced the occasion as the evening’s guest of honour. The Gala drew attendance from senior representatives of the AAIS membership, industry professionals, and valued partners.

A Prelude to Celebration

The festivities began with a vibrant pre-dinner programme, inviting guests to engage in various activities. Attendees perused and acquired copies of the commemorative book, “Propel,” at the book sales counter and explored the captivating “Flying Seeds” photo exhibition by Richard JW Koh. Amidst networking, guests enjoyed posing for instant digital photos and admired the 3D-printed AAIS logo showcase.

Reflecting on Progress and Achievements

The dinner programme commenced with an opening address by AAIS President, Mr Wong Yue Jeen, who shared insightful reflections on the Association’s journey, from its inception to overcoming challenges and achieving milestones. Mr Wong expressed his appreciation for the individuals, corporate members, industry professionals and leaders past and present for their contributions in building a resilient association that stands as an asset to the aerospace and aviation communities.

The evening’s highlights included the launch of AAIS’s commemorative book, “Propel,” which chronicles the remarkable journey of Singapore’s aviation and aerospace industries, featuring stories and contributions from major aerospace players. The Association also launched the Promising Entrepreneurs Programme, designed to cultivate the development of next-generation leaders from local SMEs, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the aerospace industry. Read more about the launch of Propel HERE, and the Promising Entrepreneurs Programme announcement HERE.

Celebrating with Members

AAIS took pride in celebrating its 20th Anniversary in the presence of members who were also marking significant milestones of their own including anniversaries, new investments, and expansions. The Association was delighted to receive a specially commissioned painting from Transfingo Group, a member celebrating its own 20th-year mark. The work by Singaporean artist Zhu Hong depicts the dynamism of aerospace and aviation in Singapore, its continuous evolution and the industry’s esprit de corps.

From left: Mr Jeremy Chan, Chairman Transingo Aviation Solutions; Mr Wong Yue Jeen, AAIS President; Mr Kelvin Chung,
Group Managing Director Transfingo Group of Companies; and Mr Sia Kheng Yok, AAIS Chief Executive.

Honouring Long-Standing Members

AAIS took the opportunity to recognise and honour long-standing members who have demonstrated unwavering support and commitment for 15 years and more. AAIS 1st Vice-President Mr Richard Wong presented certificates of recognition to representatives of long-standing member companies who were present at the Gala dinner.

From left: Mr Brian Hunter, Parker Hannifin Singapore; Ms Defelyn Kim. Aerospace Component Engineering Services; Mr Desmond Lim, Wah Son Engineering; Mr Darren Wiggins, Meggitt Aerospace Asia Pacific; Mr Chu Pau Hua, Safran Landing Systems Services Singapore; Ms Emily Tan, Thales Solutions Asia; Mr Alister Beck, Element Testing Services; Mr Richard Wong, AAIS; Mr Foo Kean Shuh, SIA Engineering Company; Mr Rahul Shah, AAR International Inc; Mr Michael Oxborrow, ACP Metal Finishing;  Mr Patrick Curtin, Boeing Distribution; Mr Johnny Eng, Singapore Aero Engine Services; Mr Oliver Chamberlain, Rolls-Royce Singapore; Mr Francis Lim, Republic Polytechnic; Mr Ng Ker Wei, Ngee Ann Polytechnic

The full list of long-standing AAIS members is as follows:

Charter Members
Element Testing Services (S) Pte Ltd
Honeywell Aerospace Singapore Pte Ltd
Satair Pte Ltd
SIA Engineering Company Ltd
Singapore Aero Engine Services Pte Ltd (SAESL)
Thales Solutions Asia Pte Ltd
Windsor Airmotive Asia Pte Ltd

Ordinary Members
AAR International Inc
ACP Metal Finishing Pte Ltd
Aerospace Component Engineering Services Pte Ltd
AIM MRO Singapore Pte Ltd
Boeing Distribution Pte Ltd
Meggitt Aerospace Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
Parker Hannifin Singapore Pte Ltd
Prime Aerospace Pte Ltd
Rolls-Royce Singapore Pte Ltd
Safran Landing Systems Services Singapore Pte Ltd
Tri-Wing Aviation Resources Pte Ltd
Wah Son Engineering Pte. Ltd.

Associate Members
Aerospec Supplies Pte Ltd
Hitech Heat Treatment Services Pte Ltd
Nanyang Polytechnic
Nanyang Technological University
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Quality-Pulse Consultancy
Republic Polytechnic
Singapore Polytechnic
Temasek Polytechnic

A spirited “Yum Seng!” capped off the evening as members and guests joined AAIS long-standing members and the Management Committee in toasting to the Association’s 20th Anniversary and the continued success of the industry.

Members and guests joined AAIS long-standing members and Management Committee toasting to the
Association’s 20th Anniversary and the continued success of the industry.

The 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner truly celebrated the community’s heritage and progress. We extend our sincere gratitude to our Platinum and Gold Sponsors for their generous support, which elevated the success of the event. Our heartfelt thanks to members for the congratulatory messages and to everyone for their presence at the gala dinner, reflecting the spirit of camaraderie within the aerospace community and contributing to the festive atmosphere.

To view and download more photos from the event, visit the AAIS 20th Gala Dinner Instant Gallery.

See also the Gala Dinner Supplement (Web), and the Media Release.

In a culmination of activities marking 20 years of dedication to advancing the Singapore aerospace industry, the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) (AAIS) held a gala event on 9 November celebrating the heritage and progress of the Singapore aerospace and aviation sectors. At the heart of this celebration was the unveiling of a special commemorative publication – Propel.

The launch unfolded with a trailer on the publication (see above) featuring Mr Goh Yong Kiat, who authored the main narrative of the book. With anticipation in the air, the evening’s guest-of-honour Mr Alvin Tan (Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Community, Culture & Youth) and AAIS President Mr Wong Yue Jeen took to the stage, joined by past presidents of AAIS – Mr Oh Wee Khoon (AAIS President 2003-2006) and Mr Philip Quek (AAIS President 2016 – 2021). Mr Tan and Mr Wong unveiled the cover of Propel, to the appreciation and applause of industry supporters present.

   
Unveiling of the AAIS commemorative book, Propel. From left: Mr Oh Wee Khoon; Mr Wong Yue Jeen; MOS Alvin Tan; and Mr Philip Quek.

AAIS was also proud to be joined by contributors and sponsors of the publication which were represented by senior executives for a group photo on stage.

Guest-of-honour and representatives from sponsoring companies and contributors of Propel. From left: Mr Patrick Curtin (The Boeing Company), Mr Oliver Chamberlain (Rolls-Royce Singapore), Ms Marie-Agnes Veve (Airbus Singapore), Mr Iain Rodger (GE Aerospace), Mr Foo Kean Shuh (SIA Engineering Company), Mr Wong Yue Jeen (AAIS), Mr Alvin Tan (Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Culture, Community & Youth), Ms Glory Wee (Singapore Economic Development Board), Mr Shangari Meleschi (Pratt & Whitney), Ms Emily Tan (Thales Singapore), Mr Michael Oxborrow (ACP Metal Finishing) and Mr Cheam Hing Gee (Collins Aerospace).

AAIS, with the strong support of the Singapore aerospace community, is proud to celebrate the milestones that have propelled the Singapore aerospace and aviation industries into the next frontier with the launch of this meaningful book. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the authors, sponsors and supporters who have contributed to the realisation of this unique and special publication. We also thank all industry members for their support of the book.

ABOUT PROPEL

Propel traces the humble beginnings and fascinating rise of aviation and aerospace in Singapore. The book’s central narrative explores the history of aviation in the island nation, from the first airfields of the Royal Air Force to the development of Changi Airhub. Interspersed between the central narrative are stories contributed by leading aerospace companies in Singapore as well as the Economic Development Board. The book also features a message by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Singapore’s Minister for Trade & Industry. Together, Propel paints a vibrant and collective portrait of the aerospace sector’s growth, alongside the flourishing of Singapore’s air transport industry.

  
From left: Image of ‘Propel’ dust jacket and cover

Authors
Mr Goh Yong Kiat
for Chapter 1: “Where Aviation Takes Off” through Chapter 6: “Airlines of Singapore” and “History of Singapore Civil Aircraft Registration”

Ms Glory Wee
for Chapter 7: “Growth and Transformation of Singapore’s Aerospace Industry” and “Creating a Community”

Sponsors & Feature Contributors
ACP Metal Finishing
Airbus Singapore
Boeing Singapore
Collins Aerospace
GE Aerospace
Pratt & Whitney
Rolls-Royce Singapore
SIA Engineering Company
ST Engineering
Thales Solutions Asia

Supporter
Singapore Economic Development Board

Bibliographic Details
Publisher: Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore)
Publication date: 11/2023
ISBN: 978-981-5060-51-5
Type: Softcover with Dust jacket
Size: 216mm x 216mm
Extent: 184 pages

Copies are available for corporate or personal orders through the following LINK or the widget below.
For media or bulk purchase enquiries, please contact Ann Majid via email to ann@aais.org.sg.

As part of our commitment to propelling industry growth and nurturing the next generation of leaders in the aerospace sector, the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) proudly announced the inauguration of the Promising Entrepreneurs Programme (PEP) at its 20th Anniversary Gala dinner on 9 November. Tailored by AAIS, the PEP is a year-long programme that aims to provide next-generation SME leaders with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the aerospace market and landscape.

Singapore’s aerospace cluster is among the most developed in the region, offering promising opportunities for  SMEs. Nevertheless, it demands a high level of technical and business capabilities from its suppliers. Recognising this, the PEP was conceived to equip SME leaders with the necessary tools to understand, explore, and grow their businesses into the aerospace segments. These leaders, who are second, third, or fourth-generation members of family-owned businesses, either have taken over or are being prepared to take over the reins of their companies, and are actively exploring new capabilities, approaches, and markets.

Going beyond theory, the PEP offers an immersive journey with industry visits, workshops, and curated activities for participants to gain an understanding and appreciation for the range of opportunities in the industry and network with OEMs, MNCs and fellow young leaders. Dr Koh Pak Keng, an entrepreneur and cold-spray technology expert, leads the programme, sharing his insights and experiences. The PEP will also be supported by Transfingo Group. Mr Kelvin Chung, its founder and Group Managing Director, is supportive of fostering the development of fellow SMEs in the spirit of mutual growth and advancement of the aerospace sector.

The inaugural batch of the PEP includes a diverse group of SMEs, each contributing a unique perspective to the programme:

1. Chee Fatt Co (Pte) Ltd
2. Chemicals and Machinery Pte Ltd
3. Chemtron Pte Ltd
4. Fong Lee Metal Industries Pte Ltd
5. KBG Contract Machining Pte Ltd
6. Metalcool Pte Ltd
7. Metall-Treat Industries Pte Ltd
8. Sanxing Pte Ltd

The PEP is just one example of how AAIS adds value to the aerospace industry, and we are excited about the positive impact it will have on the participants and in advancing the competitiveness of the industry as a whole.

Launch of the Promising Entrepreneurs Programme at the AAIS 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner with next generation SME leaders  – (2nd from left) Mr Tony Moochala, Chemtron;
(3rd from left) Mr Kwan Wai Yew, Chemicals & Machinery;  (5th from right) Mr Sean Wei Kwek, KBG Contract Machining; and (4th from right) Mr Kenneth Chan, Metalcool. 

Minister of State Mr Alvin Tan interacting with participants of the PEP. 

RSAF members had the opportunity to tour the Volocopter Showcase and ITE College Central hangar on 15 Nov 2023, in a visit coordinated by AAIS. We thank ITE and Volocopter for their kind arrangements.

To begin, participants were given a briefing on the 3 aircraft types under development. These were the VoloCity for intracity travel, the VoloRegion for intercity flights and the VoloDrone for cargo flights (200 kg payload). The 2-seater VoloCity is pending initial airworthiness approvals by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), with first commercial flight expected in Paris in 2024. Plans for Singapore are initially for a tourism use case, with flights over Marina Bay and Kallang Basin.

After an explanation and demonstration of the VoloPort check-in experience, participants were treated to a walk-round the full-scale VoloCity mock-up. This included a demonstration of its 18 rotors powered by low-noise electric motors, quick-swap battery compartment, and cockpit configured for autonomous flight. Participants also enjoyed a virtual reality flight experience.

The 2nd EU-Asia UAS/UAM Symposium co-organised by EASA and CAAS was held from 7-11 Nov 2024 in Singapore. AAIS and local industry players were once again invited to present and participate in the sessions on 9 and 10 Oct 2023. Chaired by CAAS Senior Director and CTO Mr Tan Kah Han, the 2 days were an excellent time of exchange, learning and networking.

Amongst other things, industry benefited from the summary of the prior 2 days’ discussions between regulators (below). It has often been discussed that harmonisation of regulations could help accelerate deployment of new UAS/UAM concepts and technologies. However, Mr Tan explained in his introduction that convergence was instead more realistic and also beneficial.

Capacity and capability building for UAS and UAM regulatory development

1. Organisation structure and regulations needed to evolve to complement evolving technology
2. Staff training is needed to ensure that CAA is able to facilitate the needs of industry. “Can do attitude”
3. Due to uniqueness of each State’s operation environment, it is more likely for regulations to converge than to be harmonised

Drone regulations

1. Rapid growth of UAS industry and varied use cases have led to an increase in complexity. The challenges posed in the areas of safety, security and resources were common to countries
2. Authorities can consider developing adaptive regulations to deal with such challenges
3. In making regulations, need to place attention on details such as language differences, simplicity for ease of understanding requirements, and the use of visuals to support implementation
4. Collaboration is key. An open-minded attitude by regulators and industry is needed to accommodate diverse perspectives and innovative solutions

Approaches to VTOL certification, validation and acceptance

1. Certification requires close cooperation between State of Design and industry. CAA needed to rapidly build up specialist knowledge (e.g. electric propulsion)
2. Stepwise innovative approach (initial mitigation with tight operational limitations that are gradually lifted with experience)
3. Having a good CONOPS would help State of Registry and Operators to communicate with State of Design, and ensure operational considerations are included in the certification

Entry into Service/Building a sustainable Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) hub

1. Adapt current regulations to support EIS while being mindful of individual CONOPS
2. Public and local authority acceptance is vital, and the industry should be involved in engagement efforts
3. Trust needs to be built with all stakeholders to create a single source of truth for safety, privacy, noise and sustainability aspects.

Approaches to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management

1. The different implementation architectures were discussed, and which services needed to be centralised and which could be provided by UTM SPs
2. Noting that many countries will seek to deploy UTM as a cloud-based set of services, security was a key concern

Day 3 and Day 4 discussions shed light on how VTOL and UTM were expected to take shape, as regulators and industry continued to engage on pioneering a path forward.

UAS Operators – Industry Perspectives

1. Collaboration between Industry and regulators to identify and overcome obstacles in carrying out UAS operations
2. Approvals on an organizational level rather than an activity level can help ease regulatory burdens
3. Policies need to be updated more frequently and agile in line with the evolving technology
4. Positive community engagement by the regulator is important to show the community that drones are a reliable permanent offering

Outlook of UAS/UAM Market Development

1. Next phase of AAM development will focus on implementation
   • • Tech need to outperform current modes of transport
     • Ability to take over existing routes
     • Create new demand
     • Scalable infrastructure
2. Social Acceptance needs to be addressed
3. Expanding the Aircraft Protocol will help to create support for investment and financing for scaling

UTM Operators –  Industry Perspectives

1. Many stakeholders involved. Important to bring technology, standards and regulations together
2. Starting from cooperative traffic management, the path from regulatory strategic conflict detection to strategic deconfliction needs to be defined
3. Involvement of the State in nationalization of services, ensuring national needs and guarantee the interoperability of UTM and nationalized services
4. Different approaches (UTM services non-certified vs certified) and different architecture solutions (distributed vs federated vs centralized) are under debate
5.  Academia can support with valuable studies and simulations

VTOL OEM Perspectives

1. Most manufacturers are choosing to advance stepwise from pilot on board first, to certain levels of automation, to autonomy
2. Existing ATM will likely be able to support at the beginning due to the lower number of operations, but UATM systems will be needed due to the high number of operations in future
3. Battery is a key technology, where continued research is expected to improve energy density, reducing weight and cost.
4. The VTOL design will be scalable: the first entrant will be the least profitable: better battery will allow to increase payload and performance

We thank EASA and CAAS for this visionary effort to level up both regulators and industry on the developments in UAM/UAS and to facilitate a platform for constructive dialogue.

AAIS and its Air Traffic Management (ATM) sector members (ASI, Heron AirBridge, NATS, Frequentis, Thales, Viasat etc) attended the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) ‘Air Navigation World ATM Procedures for Today’ global conference hosted by CAAS in Singapore on 23-27 Oct 2023. Some 450 participants from 56 States, international organizations and industry from around the world gathered for focused knowledge exchange, with the goal of facilitating global implementation of mature ATM procedures.

At the event, Mr Chee Hong Tat, Acting Minister of Transport, pledged a voluntary contribution of $200,000 towards ICAO’s Transformational Objective and cybersecurity programme. A further pledge of $100,000 was made by CAAS towards training and consultancy projects coordinated by ICAO in support of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS).

The event also saw the signing of two Letters of Intent on the sidelines:

(1) Asia-Pacific Trajectory-Based Operation (TBO) Pathfinder Project. Ten air navigation service providers (ANSPs) from China, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) signed an agreement to jointly define, develop, and demonstrate TBO for the Asia-Pacific region within four years.

(2)  South-East Asia – Oceania Implementation of Free Route Operations (FRTO) Project. Five ANSPs from Indonesia, New Zealand, and Singapore, CANSO, and IATA signed an agreement to identify applicable city pairs and flights, and validate the use of FRTO between defined cities within a year.

Congratulations to CAAS on successfully hosting the event and putting a spotlight on Asia and the Pacific.

To view video recordings on ICAO TV: https://www.icao.tv/air-navigation-world/season:2

Read press releases:  https://lnkd.in/gYMsgqxp
https://lnkd.in/g-GR7aVA

Read Acting Transport Minister’s Welcome Remarks:  https://lnkd.in/gBvz9qJP

The 21st Annual General Meeting of the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) took place on 20 October 2023 at the WingsOverAsia Lounge in Seletar Aerospace Park. AAIS members were present in good numbers, and early birds took the opportunity to catch up with each other before the commencement of the proceedings.

The AGM commenced with opening remarks by AAIS President, Mr Wong Yue Jeen, who highlighted the industry’s promising path to recovery and growth. Referencing the Aerospace and Air Transport Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs), Mr Wong emphasised the Association’s role in advancing and promoting the aerospace and aviation industries. He noted that the association will continue its focus on key agenda items for the industry including Sustainability, Safety, Talent Development, and Supply Chain Resilience.

Following the opening remarks were the Annual Report Presentation by Honorary Secretary, Ms Lim Hee Joo, and a financial performance overview of the past fiscal year by Honorary Treasurer, Mr Desmond Goh.

During the AGM, AAIS members endorsed the FY2022/23 Annual Report and the audited Financial Report. Members approved the reappointment of Mr Paul Sandosham of Clifford Chance as Honorary Legal Advisor, and Ernst & Young as the Honorary External Auditor for the Association.

Appreciation for the 13th Management Committee 2021/23

The Association also recorded its appreciation to the 13th Management Committee for its leadership and support from the midst of the pandemic in 2021 to the post-pandemic period of recovery and growth. Two MC members who stepped down from the committee at the AGM were recognised:

1. Mr Mads Bondergaard ​(AAIS 2nd Vice-President​ – October 2020 – October 2023​)
2. Ms Yap Siok Leng​ (AAIS Assistant Hon. Treasurer​ – October 2021 – October 2023​)

Appointment of the 14th Management Committee 2021/23

Eligible AAIS members participated in an election to elect the new 14th Management Committee which will be serving a two-year term (until AGM in 2025). The election results for the 14th AAIS Management Committee were announced. We congratulate all elected members of the committee!

Three AAIS Secretariat staff were recognised for their long years of service. The AGM formalities then concluded with closing remarks from re-elected AAIS President, Mr Wong Yue Jeen. Mr Wong celebrated the achievements of the association’s 20th Anniversary projects and highlighted AAIS’ involvement in the upcoming Singapore Airshow in February 2024.

L-R: Frequentis CEO Norbert Haslacher, Dr Harald Mahrer, President of WKO, and Sia KY, Chief Executive AAIS

AAIS was honoured to participate in the grand opening of the Asian Competence Centre (ACC) of our member, Frequentis, on 13 Oct 2023. The ACC showcases the operational capabilities of Frequentis’ safety-critical solutions including various simulators for air traffic management, and the Frequentis multimedia control room solution LifeX for emergency services. The occasion also marked the company’s 20th year since its incorporation in Singapore. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was presided over by Dr Harald Mahrer, President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), Frequentis CEO Norbert Haslacher and Chief Executive AAIS.

The event was graced by His Excellency Peter Guschelbauer, Austrian Ambassador to Singapore, VP Soo Haw Yun of EDB, Soh Poh Theen, Director Asia Pacific of CANSO, partners, suppliers and industry guests.

Dr Mahrer lauded the strong business ties established with Singapore by Austrian businesses like Frequentis. Chief Executive Sia noted that AAIS was also celebrating its 20th anniversary as an aviation/aerospace community. He spoke of the business ecosystem envisaged by the recently refreshed Aerospace and Air Transport Transformation Maps and how the Asian Competence Centre could play a role in engendering conversations about future ATM systems and communications, catalysing co-innovation in airspace management. In his remarks, CEO Haslacher paid tribute to the dedication of Frequentis staff and spoke of the company’s long term approach to business and illustrated this with its 30-year relationship with Singapore supplier, Precision Technologies.

Our congratulations to Frequentis on its 20th year in Singapore and the opening of its Asian Competence Centre.

Photos: Frequentis, Soo HY, AAIS

4th ASEAN Sustainability Forum

The 4th ASEAN Sustainability Forum was organised on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Air Transport Working Group meeting on 4 Oct 2023 at Amara Hotel, Singapore. This was the fourth such session under the two-year chairmanship of CAAS and once again, AAIS members were invited to participate in the proceedings in-person or on-line. Speakers at the event included AAIS, Boeing, CSIRO, ICAO and EcoCeres.

AAIS Chief Executive was privileged to address the Forum, sharing the vision of the Association, “an innovative aerospace community for a sustainable future”. He illustrated how this had guided AAIS’ efforts to build consensus and galvanise the community to action on the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability. Various examples of industry initiatives in Singapore were cited, demonstrating the strong shared emphasis on sustainability. At an international level, AAIS worked primarily through the ICCAIA to support ICAO and global efforts. Locally, two of AAIS current projects were cited – the tracking of solar energy adoption by the industry, and the development of a sustainability framework for clusters.

AAIS organized a visit to the SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) Safety Promotion Centres for RSAF members on 29 Sep 2023.

Participants were conducted on guided tours of the Aviation Safety Promotion Centre and the Workplace Safety Promotion Centre. These centres were established by SIAEC to augment safety training programmes for its staff with the aim of reinforcing workplace safety culture and mindset.

The Aviation Safety Centre included immersive media and informational displays drawing on past incidents from around the world. The Workplace Safety Promotion Centre offered an integrated learning environment combining classroom-based lessons, and experiential and visual learning for participants.

Attendees from various units, including AFI and QAB, gained a comprehensive overview of safety protocols and practices in the  commercial aerospace industry. The interactive exhibits coupled with detailed explanations by our experienced hosts left an lasting impression. Thank you to SIAEC for hosting, and we look forward to seeing more of our RSAF Members at our future events!

Roundtable with Sir Stephen Hillier, Chairman UK CAA

A Roundtable with Chair of UK CAA, Sir Stephen Hillier, was held on 28 Sep 2023 and ably moderated by Derek Cheng, Head of Commercial APAC at Vertical Aerospace. The session took place on the sidelines of the Global Urban and Advanced Air Summit 2023 in Singapore and was hosted at Bombardier Aerospace Services. Participants included representatives from AAIS, Air Asia, Bombardier, CAAS, EDB, NATS, SIA Engineering Co, Skyports, ST Engineering, and Vertical Aerospace.

Participants spoke of their roles in the Aerospace ecosystem, with particular reference to Urban Air Mobility. Issues of common concern were raised and views exchanged about the global talent challenge and the need for agility by regulators. The latter pointed to a need for closer cooperation with industry. Naturally this also necessitated organisational changes and safeguards to avoid the risk of “regulatory capture”. On green aviation, there were concerns about an over reliance on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a solution. There was uncertainty over whether the production of SAF was able to grow as rapidly as the demand suggested by net zero commitments.

Awards Ceremony at CHIJMES

AAIS had a successful week at MRO Asia Pacific, beginning with the MRO Asia Pacific Awards Ceremony on 25 Sep 2023. The former Chapel at CHIJMES provided a stunning backdrop as awards were presented to deserving companies and individuals. Congratulations to all winners, with a special shoutout to Singapore-based MROs: Bombardier, ST Engineering and SIA Engineering Company.

Briefing to Queensland delegates

AAIS also had the privilege of collaborating with Trade and Investment Queensland to brief the visiting Queensland delegates and exhibitors on Singapore industry developments, and to support business networking.

Overview of the Singapore Pavilion

Opening day crowd at MRO Asia Pacific 2023

The following days of exhibition at Singapore Expo were notable for the palpable energy at the Singapore Pavilion, comprising 22 exhibitors. The opening day crowd was a testament to the show’s growth and success. Adding to the buzz, we were also pleased to welcome members and friends to the AAIS booth on 27 Sep 3 pm for a beer and moon cakes.

Members getting acquainted

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Singapore Pavilion exhibitors, partners and friends for making this a worthwhile outing. Kudos to everyone involved in making the show bigger and better than ever.

Singapore Pavilion Exhibitors:

ACME Manufacturing Company Pte Ltd
Applied Total Control Treatment Pte Ltd
Assa Abloy Entrance Systems Singapore Pte Ltd
ATEQ Singapore Pte Ltd
Auxitrol Weston Singapore Pte Ltd
Aviation Partner & Consulting Pte Ltd
Ban Chu Leong Technologies Pte Ltd
Bollore Logistics Singapore Pte Ltd
CF Global Technologies Pte Ltd
Coway Engineering & Marketing Pte Ltd
CW Aero Services Pte Ltd
Fluke South East Asia Pte Ltd
Hypercoat Enterprises Pte Ltd
Prime Aerospace Pte Ltd
R.I.S.E Aerospace Pte Ltd
RVI Inspection and Equipment Pte Ltd
Sanxing Pte Ltd
Saservo Pte Ltd
Singapore Aero Engine Services Pte Ltd
SP Manufacturing Pte Ltd
Transfingo Aviation Solutions Pte Ltd
Vallen Singapore Pte Ltd

photo credits: Aerophotoworks for AAIS

AAIS was pleased to welcome the Chief Audit Executive Mr Park Jeong yeol of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) to Seletar Aerospace Park on 7 Sep 2023. It was an opportunity to discuss the recovery of the aviation and aerospace sectors, and the development of Seletar Aerospace Park. We also spoke of possibilities for cooperation with KOSME and Korean SMEs and startups. This would build on existing warm relations with the Korea Aerospace Industries Association (KAIA) and other Korean agencies. We welcome the renewal and strengthening of international ties and industrial cooperation post-pandemic.

Electric-powered vertical lift was once again in focus on 5 Sep 2023, via a webinar organised by S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) and supported by AAIS. The webinar was moderated by Chris Leck of RSIS, with panelists, Derek Cheng (Vertical Aerospace), Andrew Cummins (Archer Aviation), Damian Kysely (Skyports Infrastructure) and Prof James Wang (NTU).

The eVTOL frontrunners are aiming for airworthiness certifications from next year, and to launch commercial operations soon after, in conjunction with major events. There was consensus that this new mode of transport would take root from the late 2020s onwards, with new battery tech enabling greater payloads or longer ranges.

Even as new tech is introduced, this has to done with attention to the priorities of safety and reliability. Some discussion ensued regarding the different approaches to certification by FAA and EASA, and the hope for harmonisation. Standardisation is also desirable for vertiport design and battery charging, to support different aircraft types.

The gamechanger will be the introduction of autonomy and UTM. This will alleviate constraints such as the availability of pilots, and the ability to manage large numbers of air taxis operating in urban airspace.

The panel concluded that Singapore could be a lead adopter for intra and intercity flights, and benefit from attracting industry and R&D activities.

The highly anticipated annual Aerospace Partners’ Golf Tournament co-organised by AAIS swung into action again at Tanah Merah Country Club Tampines Course on 25 August 2023. This year’s APGT saw the participation of over 100 golfers from across the aerospace industry.

Despite the delay in tee-off due to unfavourable weather conditions, spirits were high and participants took the time to connect and catch up with one another. Eventually, the rain subsided and excited participants made their way to the golf course with bright skies accompanying the golfers throughout the rest of the afternoon. Roving buggies were also activated to ensure a continuous supply of beer, 100-Plus, bananas and chocolate bars for participants in between strokes.

The evening programme began with pre-dinner wine-tasting, followed by an opening performance by the boy’s brigade bagpipe band, and the networking dinner. One of the evening programme highlights was a speech by Mr Alister Ong, CPAS Board Member and inclusivity consultant at Michael Page, who shared his experiences developing a thriving career as a PWD. Mr Ong noted that CPAS had recently opened a second school in Jurong West – CPAS School (West) – to cater to the needs of children with cerebral palsy and multiple disabilities living in the western region of Singapore. (CPAS has operated its school in Pasir Ris since 2003).  He thanked the tournament participants and dinner guests for their generosity and called for continued support for CPAS. Participants responded at the charity art auction later on in the evening, actively bidding for unique artworks by the beneficiaries of CPAS. The dinner concluded with a prize presentation for the tournament and an exciting Raffle draw, where lucky winners walked away with attractive prizes.

It was a meaningful day of sportsmanship, philanthropy and networking for participating industry members. On behalf of the APGT Organising Committee, we thank all participants, sponsors, donors and volunteers for their generosity and outstanding support! All net proceeds from the event will be donated to CPAS. To find out more or make further/personal contributions, please visit https://cpas.org.sg/donate/

Congratulations to all winners!

Tournament Winners

Champion: Geofrey Grier

1st Runner Up: Rong Ming

2nd Runner Up: Xavier Wong

Best Flights: Flight 10B

1. Xavier Wong
2. Syafiq Supingi
3. Fabian Ong
4. Hazel Liu

Novelty Prize Winners

Longest Drive (Below 50 yrs old): Oliver Chng

Longest Drive (Above 50 yrs old): Khairul Anuar

Nearest to Pin: Girad Cher

Adherence to established procedures is the cornerstone of aviation safety and operational efficiency in the air transport industry. Yet, despite the rigorous training of aerospace engineers and technicians, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to find that “deviations from approved procedures continue to be a leading cause of maintenance-related aircraft accidents”.

As part of our efforts to raise awareness and promote aviation safety, AAIS organised an exclusive seminar, “Understanding Procedural Drift and its Effects,” to uncover and discuss the underlying causes and implications of procedural drift in aviation maintenance.

Held on 14 August, the session featured Mr Jason Bok, Vice President of Quality & Safety for Commercial Aerospace Corporate at ST Engineering Aerospace. His comprehensive presentation delved into systemic, leadership, and team elements that contribute to procedural drift. He also offered his views and expertise on how precise preventive and corrective actions can be developed to counter this challenge. Jason also gamely took on questions from the audience which comprised aerospace professionals overseeing quality, safety, operations, training, production and the like.

Despite a downpour that afternoon, the seminar was well attended by industry professionals and proved to be an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange and collective learning. We extend our gratitude to Mr Jason Bok for his enlightening insights and to all the attendees who participated actively at the event. Stay tuned for more enriching opportunities and knowledge-sharing activities as we strive to foster continuous growth and excellence.

The Premier Pitch was ablaze with action on 5 August as the annual AAIS Futsal Tournament 2023 unfolded, featuring 24 competitive teams. The event culminated in an adrenaline-fueled display of sportsmanship and camaraderie that truly encapsulated the spirit of the aerospace and aviation community.

Ultimately, Pratt & Whitney Turbine Overhaul Services emerged as the ultimate champions, with tight teamwork and determination sealing their victory. The team from Singapore Aero Engine Services secured the title of 1st Runner-up through their commendable performance. Meanwhile, GE Aerospace showcased their mettle and secured the 2nd Runner-up spot after intense battles on the pitch.

The tournament’s Most Valuable Player title went to Mr Faiz bin Abdullah from Pratt & Whitney Turbine Overhaul Services for his exceptional contributions.

Our heartiest congratulations to all winners for their outstanding achievements! We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all participating teams, players, and everyone who attended, contributing to the atmosphere and making this event truly memorable. Thank you also to Mr Iain Rodgers, MD of GE Aerospace, for gracing the event and presenting prizes to the winning teams.

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Stay connected for more updates from the aerospace community!

The OneAviation Careers Fair 2023 was held from 4 to 5 Aug 2023 at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. AAIS was pleased to support the event with a booth to (a) share with students and jobseekers about the aviation, aerospace and unmanned aircraft systems industries, (b) explain the Career Conversion Programme for aerospace, and (c) offer subscriptions to our soon-to-be launched Aerospace Singapore Digital web magazine.

AAIS Booth

In his opening speech at the Fair, Acting Minister for Transport, Chee Hong Tat, spoke of 3 challenges facing the industry as it recovers from the effects of the pandemic.

(1) Tight labour market and ageing workforce
(2) Reducing carbon emissions
(3) Harnessing technology to compete as an air hub

Acting Minister Chee Hong Tat delivers his opening speech

Mr Chee also launched the Air Transport Industry Transformation Map (ITM) 2025 at the event. The ITM outlines the key priorities and strategies to transform Changi into a future-ready global aviation hub, while preparing to overcome the challenges the sector will face. It contains 4 key strategies to support innovation, productivity and workforce development in the air transport sector:

(1) Building a safe and sustainable air hub
(2) Transforming Airport Operations
(3) Innovation at the Forefront of Aviation
(4) Developing a Future-Ready and Resilient Workforce

AAIS CE at ITM launch (2nd from left)

AAIS was pleased to support the ITM alongside other stakeholders in the Air Transport sector.

The Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) (AAIS) kicked off its 20th Anniversary celebrations, revealing a new logo reflecting its rejuvenation, present-day strategies and aspirations for the future.

The official launch of the refreshed AAIS logo took place at the Aerospace Leaders’ Dialogue Singapore (ALDS) 2023 held on 21 July at the Fullerton Hotel. Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State for Trade & Industry, and Culture, Community, & Youth, graced the momentous occasion as the Guest-of-Honour, joining AAIS President Wong Yue Jeen to unveil the logo. The ceremony was witnessed by AAIS member representatives, partners and friends who packed the venue.

The new AAIS logo features a contemporary line illustration of a soaring bird with wings spread wide, representing the industry’s boundless potential. Its clean lines reflect the industry’s pursuit of precision and excellence, while its dynamic form signifies agility and resilience in an evolving landscape. The logo’s sky-blue colour pays homage to the Association’s legacy, imbuing a sense of continuity into its refreshed identity.

In his address to the attendees, Mr Wong noted the significant progress in recovery for the industry and lauded the collective efforts of industry leaders to achieve productivity gains, improved efficiencies, and enhanced competitiveness. On behalf of industry, he also expressed gratitude to government agency partners for their support and collaboration. Mr Wong said, “I am thrilled to unveil our new logo, representing our rejuvenation, our present-day strategies and future aspirations. This logo embodies our unwavering commitment to soaring higher together and delivering even greater value to our esteemed members.”

The logo launch event exemplified the spirit of industry cooperation and showcased the capabilities of AAIS members and partners. A unique collaboration with the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC), the Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD), and Additive Flight Solutions brought the new logo to life with an impressive 3D-printed logo display.

A highlight of the event was the executive panel session featuring Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Mr Han Kok Juan; Executive Vice President, Economic Development Board (EDB) Ms Cindy Koh; and Head of Air Engineering and Logistics of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), ME8 Timothy Yap. Discussions centered around strategic resilience in the face of challenges in the business and industry landscape. An engaging keynote address by Ms Mabel Kwan, Managing Director of Alton Aviation Consultancy Singapore on “The New Reality: Imperatives for Sustainable Growth” set the context for the discourse.

Mr Han said, “I congratulate the Association of Aerospace Industries Singapore on its 20th year anniversary. The association has played an important role in developing the aerospace industry in Singapore and has been a strong partner in our efforts to grow our air hub. We look forward to their continued support in driving positive change and growth for the Singapore aviation hub.

The momentous occasion was capped off with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AAIS and RSAF. Through this collaboration, AAIS and RSAF will jointly support the professional development of RSAF technical personnel and the promotion of knowledge sharing across the commercial and defence aviation sectors.

The launch of the new AAIS logo marks the pinnacle of a visual refresh project that spanned the past year with the involvement of the AAIS management committee. It also signals beginning of a series of activities planned over the next few months to celebrate the AAIS 20th Anniversary. Among the exciting initiatives, AAIS will soon launch the Aerospace Singapore digital (ASD) magazine and release a commemorative publication celebrating the heritage of the Singapore aerospace community. The celebrations will culminate in the 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner, scheduled for 9 November.

Members are warmly invited to display the new AAIS logo on your websites to showcase your membership and vital role in the aerospace community. Join us in commemorating this special milestone together!

In an evolving business landscape, optimising operational efficiency and productivity while balancing employee satisfaction stands as a pivotal task for organisations across the industry. As transformative technologies continue to be rolled out and air travel activities intensify, aerospace companies are challenged to provide hands-on training to both existing and new employees, ensuring practical skills are honed and knowledge is seamlessly transferred.

To address these considerations, AAIS collaborated with Ngee Ann Polytechnic to present a webinar on “OJT Design and Coaching for HR and Operations Managers”. Held on 6 July, the webinar illuminated strategies and tools for effective on-the-job training (OJT) and coaching.

Anchoring the webinar, Dr Sara Zaman, Lead of NACE@NP at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, delved into the development of a blueprint for structured OJT. This encompassed key aspects, including the identification of work scope, formulation of assessment criteria, and development of training processes. Dr Sara also addressed effective coaching methods to engage employees and bridge performance gaps, and proposed strategies to drive teams towards peak performance.

Discussions also touched on subsidies, supports, and funding available for structured OJT and coaching initiatives, with potentially up to 90% support. Ms Marlia Mohamed Isnin, Manager of Industry Engagement at Workforce Singapore, provided an overview of the Career Conversion Programme for Aerospace, another valuable avenue for aerospace companies to tap into for support of OJT training.

The sessions were followed by interactive Q&A segments, enabling participants to glean deeper insights and clarify their queries.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the speakers and all participants for their active involvement.

Ambassador Askar Kuttykadam visits AAIS

It was an honour to host His Excellency Askar Kuttykadam, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Singapore and Ms Mika Japarova, Embassy Consul, at Seletar Aerospace Park on 4 July 2023. The Ambassador was briefed on the developments in aviation and aerospace in Singapore and about Seletar Aerospace Park. A fruitful exchange followed on industry developments in Kazakhstan and opportunities to explore cooperation. We thank the Ambassador for his visit and interest.

Delegates at the Global Aerospace Cluster Summit 2023

AAIS joined hands with 12 international Aerospace clusters on 23 June 2023 to found the Global Aerospace Cluster Partnership (GACP). The 12 clusters include the European Aerospace Cluster Partnership (EACP) that represents 48 associations. The official signing took place at the annual Global Aerospace Cluster Summit organised by the EACP secretariat and held on the sidelines of the International Paris Airshow 2023. We thank the Singapore Economic Development Board for being the venue sponsor for this year’s Global Aerospace Cluster Summit and for speaking at the event.

EDB’s regional director speaking at the Summit

Since 2017, Global Aerospace Cluster Summits have been held on the sidelines of Paris and Farnborough air shows and acted as a catalyst for collaboration amongst aerospace clusters worldwide. The annual summits provide a platform for clusters to connect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for growth and partnerships. During the 2022 summit, the desire for more frequent exchange amongst clusters was a key point of discussion, giving birth to the idea of formalising a Global Aerospace Cluster Partnership.

Through international collaboration, the GACP aims to address common challenges and explore innovative solutions to drive growth, sustainability, and competitiveness across the aerospace sector. For AAIS members, being part of GACP now enables us to facilitate more international business connections for you.

AAIS held our second annual New Members’ Night on 7 June 2023 at the Singapore Island Country Club. The event was held to welcome new corporate members that had joined AAIS during the past year.

The warm glow of the sunset over the golf course provided the perfect backdrop, as we sat down to drinks and a great dinner amongst friends old and new.

The programme commenced with the introduction of the AAIS Management Committee to new members. During dinner, AAIS President Mr Wong Yue Jeen warmly welcomed our new members, highlighting the work of the Association and importance of collaboration amongst members on topics like safety, quality, and transformation.

It was an enjoyable evening for all, as new connections were made over dinner and drinks. We thank all participants for their attendance and look forward to meeting again at our upcoming events!

AAIS had the pleasure of cooperating with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore to host the CUOA Business School Study Tour at Seletar Aerospace Park on 31 May 2023. The delegation was led by Professor Andrea Vinelli and comprised senior executives of Italian businesses attending the business school. We thank all participants for the interesting, lively and wide-ranging discussion about sustainability and SAF, digitalisation, the space industry, transboundary haze cooperation, etc.

The 3rd ASEAN Sustainability Forum, was held on 17 May 2023 on the sidelines of the ASEAN Air Transport Working Group’s meeting in Singapore. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’s Chief Sustainability Officer Daniel Ng chaired the forum with speakers from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Federal Aviation Administration, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Airbus, Singapore Airlines, and Malaysia Aviation Group. AAIS was privileged to support the event and facilitate industry attendance both in-person and online.

Participants learnt about how the various regulators were facilitating SAF adoption, including policymaking and planning for decarbonisation (e.g. SAF mandates and incentives), supply chain (e.g. pilot and “experimental” projects) and infrastructure. Airbus’ Asia Pacific President, Anand Stanley, spoke of the company’s efforts to address sustainability across the three ‘scopes’ and how it was developing aircraft technologies for the future. Chen Fook Ping (Singapore Airlines) and Philip See (Malaysia Aviation Group) shared the airline perspective on achieving net zero.

We look forward to the next Sustainability Forum in Oct 2023.

AAIS members spent an interesting morning with Ms Tan Bin Eng (Asean Business Incentives Advisory Leader) and Mr Johanes Candra (Partner, Business Incentives Advisory) of EY LLP. The session organised on 10 May 2023 gathered business leaders and tax/finance professionals to learn about the latest from Singapore’s Budget.

Part 1 focused on the Enterprise Innovation Scheme meant to encourage businesses to engage in R&D, innovation and capability development activities. This was followed by a Q&A session, where participants shared their comments and views on the qualifying criteria for the Enterprise Innovation Scheme.

Part 2 discussed BEPS Pillar 2, Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules and Domestic Top-Up Tax of 15%. Singapore will implement these from financial years 1 January 2025 onwards. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A session where participants and speakers engaged in insightful discussions on the impacts and considerations of the BEPS Pillar 2 policy.

The Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) (AAIS) organised the Singapore Pavilion at Rotorcraft and Unmanned Systems Asia (RCA-UMSA) 2023, held from 3rd to 5th May at the Changi Exhibition Centre. The Singapore Pavilion featured six innovative Singaporean companies, each showcasing their diverse range of technologies and groundbreaking solutions.

RCA-UMSA 2023, co-located with IMDEX Asia and organised by Experia Events, provided a dynamic platform for thought-provoking discussions, start-up pitching sessions, and an impressive unmanned technology showcase. During the Mobility Forum, several noteworthy points were raised by industry leaders. For instance, it was projected that the entire process of developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, from inception to commercialisation, would likely span around 12 years, with profitability anticipated to be achieved only after 2035. Furthermore, industry experts predicted that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) would potentially merge to consolidate funding and foster the growth of the sector. Another significant insight highlighted the expectation that drone deliveries would primarily focus on middle-mile deliveries, rather than final-mile deliveries.

Within the Singapore Pavilion, an impressive array of cutting-edge technologies was on display. These included unmanned traffic management (UTM) and UAS mission systems, additive manufacturing, precision engineering, composites for aerospace and unmanned systems, autonomous driving technologies, and deep-tech Robot as a Service (RaaS) solutions, among others.

SINGAPORE PAVILION EXHIBITORS

• Chemtron Pte Ltd
• Creatz3D Pte Ltd
• Flare Dynamics Pte Ltd
• Heron AirBridge Pte Ltd
• MooVita Pte Ltd
• Weston Robot Pte Ltd

For more in-depth information about the exhibitors and their offerings, the Singapore Pavilion Exhibitor Guide provides comprehensive details.

AAIS recently mounted a successful business mission with five Singapore companies to Atlanta, Georgia to participate in the MRO Americas exhibition. The pavilion, organised and managed by AAIS comprised of AMS Decision Pte Ltd, Cosmology Pte Ltd, Prime Aerospace Group, SP Manufacturing Pte Ltd., and VBC Group.

MRO Americas 2023 was held from 18th to 20th April in Atlanta, Georgia (USA). The show is considered one of the largest aviation maintenance conferences in the world, attracting thousands of industry professionals and buyers each year. Participation in the event allowed us to gain valuable insights into the latest industry trends and developments and showcase the strength and diversity of Singapore’s aerospace industry.

We are pleased to facilitate our member companies in their international business efforts and look forward to opportunities to showcase their capabilities and connect with global partners.

To find out more about their services and offerings, see more on the SG Exhibitors at MRO Americas 2023.

Throughout the years, Aerospace Day continues to provide an excellent platform for companies to engage with the students and vice-versa. Interactions with industry professionals give students a quick sense of the industry and a sneak peek to what their future careers could be like, encouraging them to stay on in the industry that they are studying for.

AAIS would like to thank all participating companies for an enriching and successful Aerospace Day 2023.

Companies participating in Aerospace Day 2023:

• Airbus Singapore
• Avimac Pte Ltd
• Barnes Aerospace
• Bell Textron Asia (Pte) Ltd
• Bombardier Aerospace Services Singapore Pte Ltd
• Coway Engineering & Marketing Pte Ltd
• Fokker Services Asia Pte Ltd
• GE Aviation, Engine Services Pte Ltd
• Liebherr-Singapore Pte Ltd
• Matcor Technology & Services Pte Ltd
• Moog Aircraft Services Asia Pte Ltd
• Pratt & Whitney Singapore
• RLC Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd
• Rolls-Royce Singapore Pte Ltd
• Safran Group
• SIA Engineering Company Ltd
• Singapore Aero Engine Services Pte Ltd (SAESL)
• Singapore Aero Support Services Pte Ltd
• Singapore Component Solutions Pte Ltd
• Skyports Deliveries Pte Ltd
• ST Engineering
• Thales Solution Asia Pte Ltd
• Wah Son Engineering Pte Ltd

The Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety (AP-SAS) 2023 was held from 22 to 24 Mar 2023 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. Over three days, some 450 senior leaders and aviation professionals from regulators, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, maintenance organisations, air navigation service providers and aerodrome operators from across the Asia Pacific region came together to discuss aviation safety challenges and initiatives. AP-SAS 2023 was organised by the Flight Safety Foundation and Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, as a relaunching of the Singapore Aviation Safety Seminar, which, prior to the pandemic, had been held annually since 2015.

Minister S. Iswaran delivers his opening address at AP-SAS 2023

A highlight of the event was the announcement that the Flight Safety Foundation was setting up a new Asia Pacific Centre for Aviation Safety in Singapore to help aviation stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region raise safety standards and capabilities to restart and ramp up operations safely as air travel recovers to pre-pandemic levels. The establishment of the Centre was announced by Mr. S. Iswaran, Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade relations at the opening of AP-SAS 2023.

For a start, the Centre will work on three key projects in 2023:
(1) Regional Safety Assessment.
(2) Safety Culture Leadership.
(3) Pilot Competency and Training Capabilities.

Workshop on Procedural Drift and its Effects

Workshop on ‘Leveraging Predictive Maintenance Regimes’

AP-SAS featured three tracks: Air Navigation Services/Aerodrome, Flight Operations and Engineering. AAIS Chief Executive, as a member of the AP-SAS Programme Development Committee, had the pleasure of chairing the Engineering track and summarising the discussions, at the Wrap Up session on Day Three. The two Engineering workshops on ‘Procedural Drift and its Effects’ and ‘Leveraging the Predictive Maintenance Regime’ featured speakers representing Airlines, OEMs and MROs – Singapore Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Air France, ST Engineering Commercial Aerospace, Lufthansa Technik, Boeing and Rolls-Royce.

The Singapore UAS Community by AAIS was a supporting partner of the inaugural Drones Asia 2023 exhibition held from 15 to 16 Mar at Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

Launch of Drones Asia 2023

AAIS Chief Executive delivered the Welcome Address at the Opening Ceremony and launched the event alongside Drones Asia Co-founder Mr Rupert Owen and gold sponsor Inmarsat, represented by Ms Lee Siu Min.

Meetings held at our booth

We were pleased to receive a stream of visitors at our booth and held good meetings with the Malaysian and Indonesian civil aviation authorities, MRANTI, Invest Northern Ireland, Invest Selangor and industry delegates.

Panel on the use of drones in construction and management of key assets

The UAV Innovation Theatre at Drones Asia drew speakers from major regional organisations such as Petronas, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and Sime Darby Plantations, besides many other excellent speakers from across the region and Singapore.

UAS Community networking at Inmarsat booth

The first day of the show was capped with a joint networking event between the UAS Community and Inmarsat. This was held in conjunction with the launch of its Velaris service in Singapore. We congratulate our members, Inmarsat and Heron AirBridge, on their announcement of a new partnership. This will enable Heron AirBridge and Inmarsat to combine their capabilities and showcase how satellite-based technology can support the safe integration of unmanned aircraft into Singapore’s commercial airspace.

We thank Montgomery Asia and AAIS member Inmarsat for their partnership.

After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, AAIS was excited to launch our maiden participation in inter airport Southeast Asia on 1-3 March 2023. Preparations began much earlier with an official kick-off in November 2022 at our seminar on ‘Developing a Sustainable Air Hub in Singapore’. The event featured Chief Sustainability Officer at CAAS, Mr Daniel Ng and SATS’ Head of Sustainability, Ms Tan Yen Ling.

Official kick-off at AAIS seminar, ‘Developing a Sustainable Air Hub in Singapore’ with CAAS’ and SATS’ sustainability chiefs, and our partner, RX

Preparing for the inaugural Singapore Pavilion involved the usual support for the show organiser’s marketing effort, preparation of government grant applications, and approval by Enterprise Singapore of the Singapore Pavilion design and branding. We also took pains to visit exhibitors at their offices to understand their business and so prepare ourselves to  address their interests at the show. This included ensuring that key customers were invited and given the grand tour of the Pavilion during the show. This time, we were pleased to invite representatives of CAAS, CAG and RSAF to visit the Pavilion. As always, AAIS also exhibits at all our shows, to present our brand and maintain on-site support for exhibitors.

The buzz at the Singapore Pavilion on Day 1

EVP CAG and AAIS expert, Mr Tan Lye Teck visiting the Singapore Pavilion

Publicity began much earlier through our communication channels – Aerospace Singapore magazine, e-newsletters, Asia Pacific Aviation Directory and social media. The release of Aerospace Singapore Vol 16 No 1 was timed to coincide with the show, with the feature on ‘Future Air Hub’ penned by AAIS member and contributor, Alton Aviation Consultancy. The magazine also contained the special supplement highlighting the Singapore Pavilion exhibitor profiles. As a media ambassador for the show we also took pre-show and on-site media interviews to boost the Singapore aviation and AAIS brands.

Aerospace Singapore ‘Future Air Hub’ issue

Singapore Pavilion Directory

On-site media interviews to boost the Singapore aviation brand

We worked with show organisers RX on curating speakers for the conference, and presenting the exhibitor exclusive on the ‘Aviation Landscape – Singapore’. AAIS also moderated the ‘In conversation with CAAS’ session on Day 1 of the conference.

Exhibitor exclusive presented by CE AAIS

‘In conversation with CAAS’ with Director Aviation Industry, Ms Angela Ng

Overall the show exceeded our expectations and we expect to be back again for a bigger and even more vibrant next edition!

AAIS was pleased to be invited by the Ministry of Defence of Singapore Career Transition Resource Centre to speak with Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officers about career transition opportunities in the civil aviation and aerospace industries. The event was held at Orchard Rendezvous Hotel on 22 February 2023.

AAIS Chief Executive Sia Kheng Yok shared the stage with speakers from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), ST Engineering and Eaton. His presentation covered an overview of the developments and future of the industry as well as resources available for officers to help them make informed decisions about career transition options. In between the sharing sessions, a networking tea break was scheduled for the SAF officers and corporate guests to connect and mingle. It was a valuable opportunity for the SAF officers to network and gather information from experienced professionals in the industry.

AAIS thanks the Ministry of Defence of Singapore Career Transition Resource Centre for the opportunity and platform to engage with the officers.

The ICAO Air Transport Regulation Panel held the inaugural meeting of its new Working Group on international unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations on 7-8 Feb 2023 in Singapore. Members of the Singapore UAS Community were invited to make presentations and participate in discussions, alongside some 30 regulators from across the globe. It was an opportunity to explore ideas on what approach should be taken in the economic regulation of international air services involving unmanned aircraft, from delivery “drones” to air taxis and eventually even pilot-less commercial aircraft. Industry was represented by AAIS, Aviation Studies Institute (Singapore University of Technology and Design), Frequentis, Heron Technology, Inmarsat Solutions, Meritus Law, Singapore Flying College, Skyports and Volocopter.

The working group meeting concluded with a field trip coordinated by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College Central with the UAS Community. Participants visited the ITE hangar and learnt about the Aerospace certificate and work-study diplomas offered, and Unmanned Aircraft Training Organisation (UATO) certified pilot training programme. They were also treated to the Volocity showcase by Volocopter and a demonstration of the Heron AirBridge UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system.

The Singapore aerospace and UAS community came together for the first HOST Networking session of the year held on 2nd February 2023 at the Grand Mercure Roxy. With over 80 aerospace professionals in attendance, the event, held in conjunction with the Lunar New Year, was certainly a fantastic opportunity for networking and discussions.

AAIS Chief Executive Sia Kheng Yok kicked off the evening by addressing members in attendance and highlighting important and exciting events and projects in 2023, which is the 20th anniversary of AAIS. He also took the opportunity to introduce new members of AAIS and the UAS community, as well as government agency representatives who were present at the event.

A highlight of the evening was the customary “tossing of the salad” or Lo-Hei for good fortune which added to the festive atmosphere. The diverse mix of attendees from across the sector including academia, SMEs, MROs, suppliers, service providers, etc. provided quality networking opportunities and sparked engaging discussions. The evening came to a close on a high with a lucky draw which saw 5 lucky winners.

We thank Workforce Singapore for co-sponsoring this event and would like to encourage members to find out more about the manpower support programmes for the aerospace industry offered by WSG, including the Career Conversion Programme for New Hires, Job Redesign, and Capability Transfer. Please refer to this deck for more information, or reach out to Sherman Tan (Sherman_Tan@wsg.gov.sg) or Marlia Isnin (Marlia_mohamed_isnin@wsg.gov.sg) from WSG for details. Thank you also to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a success. We can’t wait to see everyone at the next HOST Networking session in May!

View more photos of the event here:  https://www.aerophotoworks.com/p846968881

AAIS recently organised Aerospace Community Day 2023 in conjunction with the Chinese New Year as a platform for the industry and aerospace professionals to give back to the community. The event, which took place at two elderly care homes on 30 January and 1 February lifted the spirits of volunteers as well as some 470 elderly residents, including 70 seniors at St. John’s Home and 400 residents at Bright Hill Evergreen Home.

Volunteers from the industry came together, spending heart-warming afternoons with the residents of the two homes. No effort was spared as they prepared fun-filled programmes including ‘Lohei’, interactive games (e.g Bingo, Passing the Parcel etc), and crowd-favourite sing-along sessions, creating a festive atmosphere in celebration of the CNY festivities. The residents thoroughly enjoyed the activities and showed their appreciation by participating with enthusiasm. In addition, the volunteers distributed oranges, red packets, and lunch/tea-time snacks to the elderly.

This event was made possible thanks to the positive energy, compassion and collaboration of the volunteers in attendance. We received great feedback on the event and were delighted to have been able to make a positive impact on the lives of the elderly residents.

AAIS would like to record our appreciation to the following groups, companies and individuals for their contributions, voluntarism and support for Aerospace Community Day 2023:

• AAIS Management Committee members
• Alton Aviation Consultancy Singapore Pte Ltd
• Singapore Aero Engine Services Pte Ltd
• Turbine Overhaul Services Pte Ltd
• Wencor, LLC
• Mr Michael Daniel
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ASIA)
• NUS Aviation Club

We look forward to the continued support of members to enable us to bring more of such engaging and fulfilling events to the community.

Kicking off a host of events for the year, AAIS and Sodick Singapore Techno Centre (SSTC) organised a learning journey on 12 January 2023 for members and industry participants to learn more about advanced manufacturing capabilities for business transformation. The event received a lot of interest with over 30 participants on site.

Before the tour, presentations on Additive Manufacturing (AM) and design freedom case studies were shared by speakers from the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), illustrating the potential of AM in future manufacturing. Then, participants were brought around SSTC’s Manufacturing Centre and its Additive Manufacturing Lab, which showcased Sodick’s latest 3D printers and machines that integrate IoT for data collection and analysis. The state-of-the-art machines and integrated systems allow SSTC to serve as a one-stop shop for solutions to increase productivity and efficiency.

On behalf of members and participants, we thank our hosts – Sodick Singapore Techno Centre (SSTC) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) – for an enriching afternoon.

AAIS warmly welcomed members of the aerospace and UAS communities as well as partners to our Year-End HOST Networking evening on Thursday, 1 December 2022. The event brought out the festive spirit and marked the return of in-person HOST networking evenings for members since going virtual during the circuit breaker in 2020.

AAIS President Wong Yue Jeen kicked off the evening with an update on industry and AAIS activities, highlighting upcoming projects in conjunction with the Association’s 20th anniversary in 2023. Simon Wayne, GM for Asia Pacific at Bombardier Singapore Service Centre – co-host of the evening, then gave a brief overview of the facility and its capabilities. Guests were invited on an exclusive tour of the centre, which boasts the first business jet paint facility in Asia-Pacific, an integrated parts depot with US$15 million in parts inventory, office and lounge facilities for Bombardier customers and full-service interiors workshop, among others.

Attendees relished the opportunity to reconnect face-to-face with industry friends and get to know new faces. Some gamely participated in a special quiz, identifying and singing familiar Christmas tunes. The lovely evening came to a close with a lucky draw, which saw 3 lucky guests winning prizes, including a Bombardier aircraft model.

Guests agreed that it was a fruitful, yet relaxed and fun evening. We thank everyone for joining us, Simon and his team at Bombardier Singapore Service Centre for their warm hospitality and excellent support for the event. The next HOST Networking event is scheduled for 2 February 2023. Please mark your calendars.

Even before the World Cup fever grips football fans globally, AAIS saw dramatic and nail-biting moments on the pitch at our very own AAIS Annual Futsal Tournament 2022. Held on Saturday, 19 November at the FutsalArena@Yishun, the event saw teams from organisations across the aerospace industries vying for the Championship trophy and bragging rights as the top Futsal team in the sector.

After a two-year pause on the popular tournament, participants were ready and raring to go, enlivened by strong support from colleagues and family members on-site. The tournament saw spirited competition between teams right from the very first whistle. Ultimately, Singapore Aero Engine Services Private Limited (SAESL) emerged as champions, with Rolls-Royce Singapore and Advance Remanufacturing and Technology Centre as runners-up. Fourth place went to Pratt & Whitney Component Solutions. Our heartiest congratulations to all players, especially Mohammed Imran bin Ismail, the 2022 Tournament’s Most Valuable Player!

We thank all players and members for their keen support, as well as everyone who attended for creating an electric atmosphere. See you at our next sporting tournament!

View more photos from the event here: https://www.aerophotoworks.com/p878245475
(If you are using/sharing the photos on any public platform/media, please include a credit to “Aerophotoworks for AAIS”)

In alignment with growing interest and emphasis on safety, the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) organised its first AAIS Industry Safety Week from 14 to 18 November 2022. The inaugural AAIS Industry Safety Week saw over 70 organisations from aerospace, aviation and other industries participating in various activities, including seminars, webinars, and site visits for cross-learning of best practices. During the week-long event, AAIS members were encouraged to hold internal safety awareness campaigns in sync with industry peers. The Association also launched a Safety Microsite (www.aais.org.sg/safety) as a repository of resources to augment the internal efforts of members and facilitate industry sharing on safety practices.

Making Safety Our Top Priority

With the recovery of air travel, Singapore’s air transport workforce has been largely restored and is expected to reach 90% of pre-COVID levels by the year-end. Aerospace activities have also turned the corner with domestic aerospace production exceeding pre-pandemic levels by March 2022 and output growth recorded at over 16% higher than 2019 (baseline) levels in September. This positive sentiment is expected to continue in the coming months, with most Singapore-based aerospace companies foreseeing growth to improve in terms of output, new orders, exports, and employment.

As the tempo of operations continues to pick up, an influx of fresh talents is expected who will need to be familiarised with safety practices and considerations. At the same time, experienced personnel will benefit from consistent refreshers to remain up-to-date and keep safety protocols top-of-mind. There are also new considerations in the post-pandemic landscape such as the upkeep of aircraft, especially those kept in storage, the introduction of new technologies as well as changes to the operating environment. In this spirit, AAIS called upon its members to renew and reiterate the commitment to safety at all levels through the inaugural AAIS Industry Safety Week.

AAIS Safety Industry Week Activities

i. Aviation Safety: In conversation with CAAS and Aerospace Leaders

To kick off Safety Week, AAIS held a hybrid seminar on 14 November to discuss aviation safety in aerospace MRO and manufacturing. The event featured industry leaders including Mr Oliver Chamberlain, Manufacturing Executive, Rolls-Royce Singapore, and Mr Mark Loh, General Manager, Bell Textron Asia, as well as a representative from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Mr Leong Chin Sing, Senior Manager (Maintenance Organisation).

The speakers provided insightful perspectives on safety policies and implementation, as well as best practices for MRO and aerospace organisations. Particularly interesting were their personal anecdotes on the motivation for underscoring safety, as well as the differences in safety cultures across organisations and countries. The speakers noted the importance of continual improvements in safety management and called for collaborative efforts to improve aviation safety awareness. Participants engaged the speakers during the panel discussion on topics such as integrating safety in aerospace curricula, ramping up on safety training, and the role of regulators in safety management.

ii. Visit to SIAEC’s Aviation and Workplace Safety Promotion Centres

AAIS Management Committee members and their safety officers were invited to visit the SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) safety promotion centres on 15 November. Participants were brought on interactive tours around the Aviation Safety Promotion Centre and the Workplace Safety Promotion Centre. These centres were established by SIAEC to augment safety training programmes for its staff with the aim of reinforcing workplace safety culture and mindset.

Participants were impressed with the scope and quality of the Aviation Safety Centre, which included immersive media, informational displays and interactive activities. The Workplace Safety Promotion Centre also offered an integrated learning environment combining classroom-based lessons and experiential and visual learning for participants. We thank SIAEC for supporting AAIS Industry Safety Week and for hosting the visit.

iii. Advancing WSH: New Code of Practice + Data-Driven Risk-Based Approach

A webinar was held on 17 November to provide updates on workplace safety and health (WSH) practices. The keynote speaker was Mr Christopher Koh, General Manager of the Singapore WSH Council. He provided a briefing on a new code of practice (COP) which details duties of company CEOs and directors on WSH. The new COP, gazetted in October 2022, applies to Singapore companies in all industries, covering not only the physical but also mental well-being of workers.

This briefing was followed by a rich presentation on ‘A Data-Driven Risk-Based Approach to WSH Management’ by Mr Lim Sui Soon, Executive Committee Member at the Singapore Institution of Safety Officers (SISO). The approach provided a new perspective, encouraging organisations to analyse key causal factors of incidents based on WSH data and develop mitigating methods in managing these high-risk factors.

iv. Launch of AAIS Safety Microsite

A key element of AAIS Industry Safety Week was the opportunity for cross-learning through platforms for sharing between members, industry leaders, regulators, and safety professionals. To promote knowledge/resource sharing and exchange between members of the industry ecosystem, AAIS launched a curated Safety Microsite (https://aais.org.sg/safety) in conjunction with Safety Week. The AAIS Safety Microsite serves as a repository of safety resources and includes messages by Mr Tay Tiang Guan, 1 Deputy Director-General at CAAS and Mr Wong Yu Jeen, AAIS President, as well as posters, articles, guidance documents, activities and other safety-related collaterals.

The AAIS Safety Microsite will be available beyond Safety Week. We welcome all to visit and utilise the resources and look forward to further contribution of materials from industry members.

v. Special Discount for AAIS Safety Training Courses

Safety training is crucial to ensure workers have a solid knowledge of safety associated with their jobs. In conjunction with AAIS Industry Safety Week, the Association is offering a discount of 25% off training fees for a second participant for the following training courses:

• Introduction to Safety Management System (Virtual or In-Person)
• Effective Event Investigation Training (Virtual on In-Person)
• Fundamentals to Aerospace Quality Management System (Virtual or In-Person)
• Compliant Safety Management Systems for Aerospace (Virtual)
• Logistics and Stores Inspection Procedures for Aerospace (Virtual)
• Effective Stores Management for Aerospace (Virtual)
• Quality Systems and Audit Management (Virtual or In-Person)
• Human Factors and Error Management (In-Person)

The offer is valid for any of the above-titled courses ending by or before 30 June 2023, subject to minimum class size. Quote “AAISSafety” to enjoy the discount.
Visit our website at www.aais.org.sg for more information 

Moving Forward Together with Safety in Mind

The first AAIS Industry Safety Week concluded successfully with positive feedback on the activities organised. Safety is for all industries, and we were especially pleased to welcome organisations beyond the aviation and aerospace industries at the various events, including representatives from maritime, oil & gas, electronics etc.

We welcomed our friends from the University of St Gallen’s Center for Aviation Competence once again to Seletar Aerospace Park on 3 November 2022. Seletar Aerospace Park’s industry ecosystem continues to be a draw – this time for students of the Aviation Management Compact Course.

AAIS selectively provides guest lectures to visiting students enrolled in Masters and Executive Education courses. These provide collaborating institutions with insights into one of the world-leading Aerospace clusters and the success of Seletar Aerospace Park in attracting global investors.

AAIS was very pleased to host a delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism on 2 November 2022 at Seletar Aerospace Park. The delegation was visiting Singapore to explore innovative solutions in the transport sector. Led by Committee Chair MEP Jens Gieseke, the delegation visited AAIS and Skyports Drone Services.  Chief Executive AAIS, and Sanjay Suresh and Koh Jia Le of Skyports briefed the delegation on the aviation and aerospace recovery, and development of drone services in Singapore.

As Singapore steps up its green ambition towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the aviation industry has also been shaping strategies to ensure sustainability in recovery and growth.

AAIS was pleased to hold a briefing on 2 November on Developing a Sustainable Air Hub in Singapore, sponsored by inter airport Southeast Asia. The keynote was delivered by Mr Daniel Ng, Chief Sustainability Officer and Director (Air Transport) at the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, covering recommendations from the International Advisory Panel (IAP). [The IAP report is accessible via the following link: https://go.gov.sg/sustainableairhubsg.]

Mr Ng shared details on the 15 initiatives and tangible pathways identified to decarbonise the aviation sector across three key domains of airport, airline and air traffic management. Participants then heard another enlightening presentation by Ms Tan Yen Ling, Head of Sustainability and Strategic Projects at SATS who shared on the sustainability practices and initiatives being rolled out internally at SATS and for clients of its ground handling and in-flight services.

The presentations were followed by an engaging panel discussion moderated by AAIS Programme Director for Sustainability Mr Chan Mun Wei. The discussions were enlivened by questions and comments from the attendees, covering a wide range of sustainability and industry-related topics such as embedding ESG awareness across multiple functions in an organisation, positioning of Singapore as a sustainable air hub to capture the growing market for green air travel, greening of airside vehicles in the airport, and strengthening of infrastructure to adapt to climate-related risks.

We thank all participants for their active interactions, the speakers for their generous time and sharing and our event sponsors – inter airport Southeast Asia.

To be held from 1 to 3 March 2022, inter airport Southeast Asia is Asia’s premier airport exhibition and conference that covers all areas of airport-related technology, equipment and services, in one place. Visit www.interairport-southeastasia.com to find out more.

The Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) and the Performance Review Institute (PRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 27 October 2022 at the JW Marriott Singapore South Beach. This was the 4th MOU between the parties since 2008 – adding to 14 years of collaboration in providing and promoting aerospace special processes auditing, training, and personnel qualification programmes in Singapore.

We were also appreciative of the fruitful discussion with Mr Jay Solomond (Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and Ms Hannah Godfrey (Vice President of Professional Development) on the sidelines of the signing. We look forward to further development of the cooperation.

For more information, view the PRI Press Release here: https://p-r-i.org/news/the-performance-review-institute-partnership-association-of-aerospace-industries/ 

The 20th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) was held on 27 October 2022 at InterContinental Singapore. This was the first physical AGM since the pandemic with members glad to be back meeting face-to-face. The AGM kicked off with Opening remarks by President, Mr Wong Yue Jeen, highlights on the past year’s activities by Honorary Secretary, Ms Lim Hee Joo, and an overview of financial performance for the past fiscal year by Assistant Honorary Treasurer, Ms Yap Siok Leng.

In his opening address to members, AAIS President Mr Wong Yue Jeen noted that the aerospace industry had turned a corner in tandem with aviation’s recovery, with the sector operating at near or above pre-pandemic (2019) output since March 2022. Even as the outlook for the coming months remained buoyant, the industry was very mindful of the challenges looming due to the instability of the geopolitical and macroeconomic environment. Mr Wong emphasised the important role of the Association in galvanising the community for collective action and elaborated on the Association’s focus areas in the coming year encompassing Safety, Sustainability and Supplier Development.

Members endorsed the FY2021/22 Annual Report and the audited Financial Report. Ernst & Young was reappointed as the Honorary External Auditor and Mr Paul Sandosham of Clifford Chance was reappointed as the Honorary Legal Advisor for the Association.

At the AGM, Mr Mark Loh, General Manager of Bell Textron Asia Pte Ltd was elected as a member of the Management Committee FY2021/23. This was to fill a vacancy left by Mr Kevin Chow of Thales Solutions Asia who had stepped down from the MC in August 2022 to take up a new role overseas. Members recorded their appreciation to Mr Chow and congratulated Mr Loh on the appointment.

Ms Agnes Chua from the AAIS Secretariat was presented with the service award in recognition of her 15 years of service. The AGM formalities then concluded with closing remarks from President, who provided a glimpse of the exciting activities planned for the coming year in conjunction with the Association’s 20th anniversary in 2023. President called on members for support, contributions and participation in the events and projects including a commemorative Aerospace Community Heritage Book and the Gala Dinner slated for October 2023, among others.

In the next part of the programme, members heard informative presentations on the topics of  Sustainability, Supplier Development and Manpower. Mr Chan Mun Wei, Programme Director of Sustainability, provided an overview of the AAIS Sustainability Roadmap. This was followed by Mr Loh Wai Cheong, Senior Industry Transformation Advisor on information about the Jobs Development Partner (JDP) Programme of which AAIS is a TAC partner. Rounding off the presentations, Ms Marlia Isnin and Ms Mathia Lee from Workforce Singapore shared about WSG’s manpower findings, initiatives and programmes for the aerospace and aviation sectors.

The informative event ended with a networking session among the guests. AAIS thanks the event sponsor, Workforce Singapore, for their forthcoming and generous support, and all members for actively participating.

View all photos from the event here

Members of the Singapore UAS Community participated in and presented at the EU-Asia Symposium on UAS/UAM held at the Goodwood Park Hotel on 18-21 Oct 2022 by individual invitation of organisers, CAAS and EASA. Key points in the industry feedback to regulators on Day 1 of the symposium were:

1. In the next 10 years, demand for UAM and BVLOS operations over populated areas will increase exponentially
2. The cost per mile of air taxis will eventually become similar to ground transportation
3. Reduction of cost and battery weight will be a major driver of commercial viability
4. Public acceptance will have to be gained through respect for privacy and the natural environment
5. Research on UAS traffic management and airspace integration is key to enabling scalable operations
6. UTM development is underfunded and faces hurdles, including the lack of regulatory guidance
7. Importance of global harmonisation of standards for UAS, UAM, UTM-U-Space and vertiports

The occasion was also marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CAAS and EASA to collaborate on urban air mobility to support the development, deployment and safe operation of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The agreement was signed by Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS and Mr Luc Tytgat, Strategy and Safety Management Director, EASA on 18 October 2022, on the sidelines of the inaugural European Union–Asia Symposium on Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Urban Air Mobility.

On the final evening of the symposium, CAAS hosted industry and regulators to a networking evening at the National Gallery, with many good conversations held over dinner and drinks.

Themed ‘Industry 4.0 for Business Sustainability’, the 5th edition of the Industrial Transformation Asia-Pacific (ITAP) was held on 18-20 October 2022 at Singapore Expo. ITAP 2022 homed into trends and developments in the three key dimensions of Digitalisation, Talent & Workforce Development, and Environmental Sustainability. AAIS exhibited at ITAP 2022 for the first time, to connect Aerospace businesses with solution providers (and vice versa) and to extend our services to the wider industry community. We are pleased to have been able to connect with visitors and exhibitors on topics such as additive manufacturing, drone services, digital transformation, advanced metrology and many other subjects.

The Singapore aerospace industry is turning a corner. In March 2022, aerospace production levels exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time on a monthly basis. Growth has continued at a steady pace, with the total aerospace output growing by 27.9% on a yield-to-date basis in the first eight months of 2022, over the same period last year.

As the industry positions to capture opportunities, the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) has launched the Industry Transformation Map (ITM) 2025 which aims to cement Singapore’s position as a global node for aerospace manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities, with leadership in engine MRO. It also aims to pave the way for participation in future aircraft development programmes through emerging areas. An update from the previous iteration (ITM 2020), Aerospace ITM 2025 addresses the systemic shifts arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting key strategies and initiatives to support the industry in recovery and beyond.

AAIS was pleased to organise an industry preview of the refreshed Aerospace ITM on 10 October 2022. Held at Seletar Aerospace Park, the preview was attended by representatives from across the industry, government agencies and academia. Mr Abiel Neo, Assistant Vice President, Capital Goods at EDB delivered a comprehensive briefing on the ITM, sharing its target for the aerospace industry to achieve S$4.6 billion in Value-Add (VA) by 2025, and restoring total employment of the industry to pre-pandemic levels of 22,000 by adding 3,000 jobs. This would be driven by capability and capacity building for manufacturing and MRO, with a focus on strengthening our leadership position in engine MRO.

Under the ITM, agencies will partner with aerospace companies, AAIS and relevant organisation in the following key areas:

• Driving transformation through technology
• Helping SMEs fly high on the global stage
• Investing in talent
• Gearing up for sustainability and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
• Emerging stronger through tripartism and partnerships with Industry Associations

Following the ITM briefing, participants engaged with a panel consisting Mr Neo, Mr Wilin Ng, Chief Commercial Officer at SIA Engineering Company Ltd and moderator Dr Kenneth Low, Deputy Cluster Director of Singapore Institute of Technology. The panel took questions from the audience and had robust discussions on the new strategies, initiatives and shaping the future of the Singapore aerospace industry. Participants also heard from AAIS President, Wong Yue Jeen, who shared on the role of the Association in supporting priority areas for members.

All present took the opportunity to network during the coffee break and reception. AAIS thanks all speakers and industry representatives for a very engaging session. For more information on the ITM, please refer to the EDB press release.

View all photos from the event

AAIS was pleased to welcome a delegation from Can Tho City, Vietnam, to Seletar Aerospace Park on 13 October 2022. The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Can Tho People’s Committee, Mr Tran Viet Truong and facilitated by Ingrid International.

Following an exchange of presentations and discussion on the promotion of  Can Tho City, an MOU was signed between Mrs Nguyen Thi Kieu Duyen, Director of Can Tho Promotion Agency and Mr Tan Chye Kin, Chairman of Ingrid International.

The Singapore UAS Community was excited to hold its first in-person networking event on 4 October 2022 at Brewerkz, Orchard Rendezvous Hotel. Organised in partnership with Montgomery Asia and Drones Asia 2023, the event attracted more than 40 participants. We were also delighted and honoured to welcome senior management of Montgomery Group and Montgomery Asia, and officers from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Enterprise Singapore.

Following great conversations and bonding with new friends over beer and bites, we capped the evening with a lucky draw graced by Mr Rupert Owen, co-founder of GeoConnect Asia and Drones Asia. 3 of our lucky members each won either a bottle of wine (courtesy of AAIS) or a Drone Security course bundle (compliments of DroneSec).

View more photos from the event here

AAIS was pleased to receive a delegation of the Incheon Metropolitan City Maritime Affairs and Aviation Bureau on 26 September 2022. Led by Director General Hyun-Mo Yoon and facilitated by Starburst, the team also included the Incheon Industry-Academy Collaboration Institute.

Advanced manufacturing has become a key industry buzzword as companies seek to undergo transformation with the aim of developing better capabilities, adaptivity and productivity along the supply chain.

An Advanced Manufacturing Learning Journey (AMLJ), held on 23 September 2022, was organised by AAIS to provide members and industry participants an opportunity to experience the transformative possibilities of advanced manufacturing technologies.

Located within Singapore Polytechnic, the AMLJ co-developed by SP and TÜV SÜD, brought participants on an interactive tour through 3 distinct zones – namely the Digitalisation, Integrated, and Smart zones. Through the learning journey, a host of solutions were shared, including automation, sensors and IOT, and decision-making tools to increase productivity on the shop floor. The learning journey also included presentations covering success stories of digital transformation on shopfloors, inspiring participants to kickstart their own transformation processes.

On behalf of members and participants, we thank our hosts -ASTech, Smart i4.0 Transformation Alliance (SiTA) and Singapore Polytechnic (SP) – for a constructive afternoon.

After a two-year hiatus, MRO Asia-Pacific 2022 returned with a bang from 20 to 22 September at Singapore Expo Halls 3 and 4. The region’s premier event for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul hosted over 180 exhibiting companies showcasing their latest products, services and solutions.

AAIS were pleased to coordinate the Singapore Pavilion, which housed 27 exhibiting companies showcasing a diverse range of capabilities including aircraft ground support, components, distribution of aircraft parts and equipment, inspection and testing, MRO services etc. During the exhibition, the Singapore Pavilion attracted many visitors, potential partners and customers as fruitful discussions were observed at various booths.

AAIS also organised a casual networking session at the Singapore pavilion on Wednesday, 21 September. The session brought together exhibitors, AAIS members and partners as connections were established and discussions deepened over drinks in a convivial atmosphere.

Exhibitors were unanimous in noticing the high number and quality of trade visitors from airlines, MROs and other industry stakeholders. The show ended with the usual remarks that it was simply too short a time for all the opportunities that arose.

We thank our exhibitors, members, partners and guests for 3 great days at MRO Asia Pacific, 2 days of exhibition, and 1 clear signal that Aerospace is back in business.