Flying ASEAN aerospace to new heights

Given the complexity of the solutions and operations in the aerospace industry, no single organisation can solve all the issues alone. Hence, partnerships have become a lynchpin in the strategy to continuously evolve the production and MRO capabilities in ASEAN. One of the most classic examples is our partnership in Singapore with SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) to build up a powerhouse to repair Trent engines, Singapore Aero Engine Services Private Limited (SAESL). A Trent Centre of Excellence, the facility is further progressing to accelerate engine turnaround time through state-of-the-art assembly, component repair tools and smart manufacturing methods. This will support the demanding production and MRO needs in Singapore and the region.

Across the Causeway, Malaysia plays a huge role in supporting the increase in engine assembly and test.  To support our Seletar Campus facility in Singapore, we partnered with UMW Aerospace Sdn Bhd. The collaboration was a milestone in the company’s transformational journey from an automotive shop and today it is a key player in the aerospace supply chain. The Tier-1 Rolls-Royce supplier builds and delivers Trent 1000 and Trent 7000 engine fan cases to our facilities in Seletar. Our partnerships with Thai companies have also created three main supply chains for our fan blade lining and compressor blades.

With continuous investments and the commitment to grow with our partners, Rolls-Royce is building a regional ecosystem that is future-ready.

While growth of the industry is certainly welcomed, it should not be at the expense of societies and the environment. Today, aerospace contributes to two percent of global CO₂ emissions and this is expected to triple by 2050. Flights within Asia Pacific caused the most passenger transportation-related CO₂ outputs, reaching 25 percent of the global total. Furthermore, the ASEAN region is one of the most vulnerable to rising sea levels. Countries like Vietnam have an estimated 20 million people who might be affected by high tides while over 10 percent of Thai citizens live on land that could be underwater in 30 years’ time.

As leaders in the technology space, we have a responsibility to keep ahead of these developments. The Singapore Airshow 2020 is fully solar-powered for the first time in its history, signalling the industry’s commitment to be sustainable. We have to ensure that the way we deliver power is for the benefit of societies and communities. Rolls-Royce facilities have installed over 11,700 solar panels, which can save more than 39,000 tons of CO₂ over 25 years. That’s equivalent to 1.57 million trees cleaning the air or taking more than 4,700 cars off the road.

Other immediate measures Rolls-Royce is taking is to continuously refine the efficiency of our engines. This reduces carbon footprints while ensuring that we still deliver the best to our customers. Currently, the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB increases fuel efficiency by 15 percent compared to the first Trent engine. In Singapore, our researchers are exploring energy storage solutions for hybrid-electric aircraft which could cut aircraft carbon emissions by as much as 30 percent.

We have also recently invested in electrical test facilities that will chart an innovation path for electrification, and Rolls-Royce has bespoke intelligent microgrid solutions which will help reduce energy consumption for land-based applications.

Even with the advances in technology, we still require the innovative and creative capacities of people for problem-solving. Therefore, Rolls-Royce will continue reaching out to the next generation of pioneers, engineers, scientists, technicians and innovators.

To encourage young talent to pursue their dreams in aerospace and technology, we have programmes that connect with young people across the region. We aim to help them explore the possibilities of STEM and keep that spark alive to become talented professionals of the future. In Singapore, our Rolls-Royce facilities take on 60 internships per year, allowing interns to spend eight months within the company to ready themselves for the challenges ahead.

We are also committed to STEM education, working in partnership with local organisations and communities to ensure positive and long-lasting impact. We also collaborate with Thai Airways on STEM initiatives, encouraging participation among Thai students and giving them a preview of technology in action at our Seletar Campus. We are also offering funding and mentorship to Indonesia’s Universitas Gadjah Mada in support of developing engineering talent through a microgrid project.

It is crucial to invest in our current talent. Tomorrow’s issues require the highest level of skilled professionals. Hence, our work constantly challenges our employees, facilitating their development and training.