Aero repair and overhaul

The need for top-class repair and overhaul facilities has also been recognised by Singapore Airlines. As a result we have joined forces to address the needs of this market.

Rolls-Royce currently has two joint ventures with Singapore Airline's subsidiary: Singapore Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC); International Engine Component Overhaul (IECO), which refurbishes nozzle guide vanes and compressor stator vanes for Rolls-Royce RB211 and Trent engines; and Singapore Aero Engine Services Pte Limited (SAESL) which overhauls and maintains Trent engines. SAESL is a $185-million joint venture between Rolls-Royce (30 per cent), Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Limited (20 per cent) and SIA Engineering Company (50 per cent).

SAESL performs the repair, overhaul and maintenance of new-generation Rolls-Royce aircraft engines and completed the overhaul of its 500th engine in 2007. This includes the Trent 800 engine which powers the Boeing 777 twinjet, the Trent 700 which powers the A330, the Trent 500 for the SIA A340-500 aircraft and the Trent 900 engines for the new Airbus A380, which recently entered service with Singapore Airlines. SAESL also added a component repair capability through a S$10-million investment in a new compressor blade cell.

In 2008 ground was broken on a S$60-million 12,000m2 facility extension that will further enhance the company’s capabilities. The facility will open in early 2010.

IECO is a 50/50 joint venture between SIA Engineering Company and Rolls-Royce which began operations in 1998, following an initial investment of over S$23 million. IECO refurbishes nozzle guide vanes and compressors stator vanes for Rolls-Royce RB211 and Trent engines. On its 10th anniversary, IECO officially opened a facility extension that is expected to increase overall output by 30 per cent in its first five years of operations.