New flammability test lab set for Singapore: Singapore Polytechnic (SP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jamco Aero Design & Engineering (JADE), a joint venture between JAMCO Corporation and SIA Engineering Company Limited, to jointly establish the first fully certified flammability test aviation laboratory and data centre in Asia Pacific. The five-year partnership will see SP and JADE co-build the flammability test laboratory within the grounds of the polytechnic in Singapore. Expected to be ready in 2025, the laboratory will add new capability to and strengthen Singapore’s position as an aviation hub in the region. Flammability testing is key to elevating and setting new standards for aviation and passenger safety. The new facility will provide the testing and certification of materials used in aircraft cabin components, such as wall, light and ceiling panels, door linings, seat belts, seat cushions and signage, prior to being fitted in an aircraft. By carrying out flammability tests in Singapore, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) companies and airlines can enjoy savings from logistical costs and shorter turnaround times, as well as greater visibility in the progress of their jobs. More importantly, adding this new testing capability to the aviation ecosystem will make the testing process easier to understand for the stakeholders, and support innovators to better manage their designs for passenger safety and comfort based on the testing results. These benefits will catalyse the expansion of niches of excellence in manufacturing, cabin interior design and modification, as well as aircraft conversion in Singapore. SP and JADE will start up the laboratory in SP’s Aero Hub and equip it with state-of-the-art equipment. Both partners will provide testing and training capabilities that are aligned to industry benchmarks in areas such as certified training and accreditation, as well as front commercial agreements with external industries and parties for certified test services.
SIA Engineering opens LEAP engine facility: SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) officially opened its new Aircraft Engine Services (AES) facility in Singapore to provide engine maintenance services to Safran Aircraft Engines (SAE). SIAEC, which invested approximately S$9 million to develop the facility, will provide Engine Quick Turn (QT) and modification embodiment services for both CFM LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines at this engine shop. With a production gross floor area of approximately 20,935 sq feet, AES is equipped with the latest Engine QT processes, and state-of-the-art equipment and technology including the use of a Remote Guided Vehicle (RGV) for transporting engines, one of the first in the aviation industry. The facility can perform at least 60 QTs per year as well as On-Site Support and Boroscope Inspection services for the CFM LEAP -1A and -1B engines. In addition, AES has 50 percent more capacity to cope with surge demands. The CFM LEAP engines are the next-generation engines replacing the matured V2500s and CFM56s. LEAP-1A engines are used for the Airbus A320neo while LEAP-1B engines are used for the Boeing 737 MAX, both narrow body aircraft. There are 3,971 LEAP engines in service for 127 operators as of 31 December 2021 and more than 19,000 total orders. AES provides the added capabilities and capacity for SIAEC to grow its comprehensive suite of engine-related services to its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners and airline customers. This includes engine QT maintenance which involves specific work to minimise engine time off-wing, thereby optimising both engine availability and reliability on-wing. It will enhance support for the engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services (MRO) value chain by increasing engine repair network capacity, reducing turnaround time and minimising aircraft downtime for the airlines.
ATR reaffirms commitment to Asia: ATR said it remains committed to the regional market segment and said the Asia-Pacific region is ATR’s largest market, accounting for more than 40 percent of aircraft deliveries. After the recent announcement regarding Maldivian’s order for two ATR 72-600s and one ATR 42-600, the manufacturer has signed a new deal with Alliance Air via lessor TrueNoord for two ATR 42-600 aircraft, which will support the airline’s mission of serving challenging airfields in the Himalayas. The ATR family’s unique capabilities to serve short runways, at high altitudes and high temperatures, its cabin comfort, and unbeatable economics, make it the perfect tool to reinforce connectivity, especially in areas where infrastructure is limited. Fabrice Vautier, senior vice president Commercial of ATR, said: “Over the years, ATR aircraft have proven very popular with operators in Asia Pacific thanks to the combination of comfort, reliability, unparalleled cost per trip and per seat, and sustainability. The combination of these parameters is unique to ATR in our market segment, which means airlines can serve thin routes more profitably and more responsibly. Through our recent announcements and the exchanges, we have had during the show, we have witnessed concrete signs of recovery from the market and are confident that Asia-Pacific will remain a strategic region for us long into the future.” In the coming months, all new ATR 42 and 72 aircraft will be equipped with the new PW127XT engine, which will reduce fuel burn and engine maintenance costs even further – respectively by 3 percent and 20 percent. The manufacturer is also working toward the certification of its aircraft to operate on 100 percent SAF by 2025.
Qantas selects Airbus for A321P2F upgrades: Qantas has signed a contract with Airbus to enhance its three A321P2F freighter aircraft with new systems and airframe upgrades to maximise operational performance. The modifications include the latest standard of LCD cockpit displays, weather radar, on-board flight data management, ETOPS 120 capability, as well as application of the “extended service goal” (ESG) airframe life-enhancement programme. Klaus Roewe, Airbus Head of Customer Services, said: “We are very pleased that Qantas is entrusting Airbus’ engineering expertise to upgrade its aircraft to the latest technical standards. This upgrade also shows how Airbus Customer Services is committed to keeping its in-service aircraft current with all modern capabilities, thus preserving the value of the assets and our customers’ long-term investments in our products.” To facilitate the upgrade, Airbus will provide Service Bulletins (SBs) and engineering support, as well as updating the aircraft’s technical documentation. Between October 2020 and December 2021 Qantas became the first operator of the A321P2F when it took delivery of three aircraft following their conversion to freighter configuration by Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) at the ST Engineering facility in Singapore. Qantas operates all three aircraft on domestic services on behalf of Australia Post. EFW is a joint venture between ST Engineering and Airbus.
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