AIRCRAFT services provider SIA Engineering (SIAEC) S59 : S59 0%will be opening its new aircraft engine services facility in Singapore on Friday (Feb 18), to provide maintenance to French aerospace engine manufacturer Safran Aircraft Engines (SAE).

SIAEC invested approximately S$9 million in the facility, which will provide engine quick turn and modification embodiment services for CFM Leap-1A and 1B engines, manufactured by CFM International, a 50-50 joint venture between GE Aviation and SAE.

In its bourse filing on Friday, the mainboard-listed company said it will use the aircraft engine services facility to grow its suite of engine-related services to its original equipment manufacturer partners and airline customers.

This includes support for its maintenance, repair and overhaul services value chain by increasing engine repair network capacity, reducing turnaround time and minimising aircraft downtime for the airlines.

The new facility has a gross floor area of around 20,935 square feet and can perform at least 60 engine quick turns a year as it offers the latest engine quick turn processes. This involves specific work to minimise engine time off-wing, and optimising both engine availability and reliability on-wing.

The facility, which uses a remote-guided vehicle for engine transport, also offers on-site support and borescope inspection for the CFM Leap-1A and 1B engines. These engines are used on the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 Max, both of which are narrow-body aircraft.

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It also comes after SIAEC signed a 10-year agreement with SAE in December 2021 to provide engine test services for CFM Leap-1A and 1B engines.

Ng Chin Hwee, chief executive of SIAEC, said: "While the aircraft engine services facility is dedicated to serving SAE currently, we hope to extend our services to a wider market in future as a recovery in global air travel leads to greater demand for quick turn maintenance and shorter engine turnaround, particularly those on narrow-body aircraft."

In the same filing, Lim Ai Ting, director of aerospace and marine cluster at JTC, said the facility indicates confidence in Singapore's aviation industry.

"Riding on the industry's recovery, we are expecting more facility expansions and openings in Changi and Seletar Aerospace Park this year," she added.

The counter closed at S$2.32, down 1.3 per cent or S$0.03 on Friday after the announcement. 

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