At the Changi Aviation Summit ,a coalition of key Singaporean agencies and GE Aerospace forged a landmark alliance. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), GE Aerospace, and the International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Singapore Partnership for Aviation & Aerospace Research and Capability (SPAARC). This initiative marks a strategic expansion for GE Aerospace in Singapore, moving beyond its established maintenance operations into cutting-edge research and development.
SPAARC is designed to accelerate the creation and deployment of next-generation aviation technologies. The partnership will focus on several critical domains. A primary area is Artificial Intelligence, where the consortium will develop AI applications to enhance safety and operational effectiveness in maintenance, flight operations, and airspace management. This work will be guided by robust AI governance frameworks to meet aviation’s stringent safety requirements.
The collaboration will also drive airspace modernisation, aiming to develop advanced analytical systems and digital platforms. These tools are intended to optimise flight routes, improve airspace capacity, and enhance coordination between airlines, airports, and air traffic management. Furthermore, SPAARC will pursue advanced aerodynamic research to support novel engine designs and next-generation propulsion systems, ensuring they integrate seamlessly with existing aircraft and infrastructure.
“Through public-private-research partnerships such as this, we hope to establish new innovation pathways that are more efficient and effective,” said Mr. Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS. He emphasised the goal of overcoming the traditionally slow and costly process of deploying new technologies in the global, safety-critical aviation sector.
Mr. Jermaine Loy, Managing Director of EDB, noted that the partnership “reflects Singapore’s commitment and ambition to spearhead aviation and aerospace innovation,” adding that it will create opportunities for the local workforce and bolster Singapore’s status as a global aerospace hub.
For GE Aerospace, this represents a deepened commitment to the region. “We’ll shape what’s possible for the future of flight,” said Rahul Ghai, Senior Vice President and CFO of GE Aerospace. Patrick Ky, CEO of ICAI, highlighted the consortium’s role in de-risking innovation: “Through SPAARC, our work… translates research into real world capabilities.”
By uniting government, industry, and research, SPAARC aims to tackle the challenges of future air traffic growth and operational complexity, striving to enhance safety, durability, and efficiency across the aviation ecosystem.
