CAAS Awards Grants to Two Projects to Enhance Aviation Industry's Capability, Productivity and Competitiveness

The projects will be funded under the S$100 million Aviation Development Fund.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has awarded grants to the first two projects under the S$100 million Aviation Development Fund (ADF), which was launched on 1 April 2010 to promote and develop the aviation sector in Singapore.

Flammability test laboratory to add new capability
CAAS has awarded the first grant under the S$25 million Aviation Innovation Programme to Singapore JAMCO (SJAMCO) Pte Ltd for the setting up of a flammability test laboratory in Singapore. The co-funding will cover the purchase of equipment, materials and software, and the salaries and training of staff engaged in the project.

The flammability test laboratory will add a new capability in the Singapore aviation industry. The laboratory will be used for the testing and certification of materials used in aircraft cabin components, such as wall / light / ceiling panels, door linings, seat belts, seat cushions and signages, prior to being fitted in aircraft. By being able to carry out flammability tests in Singapore, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) companies and airlines can enjoy savings from logistical costs and shorter turnaround times, as well as have greater visibility in the progress of their jobs. More importantly, these benefits will see niches of excellence such as manufacturing, cabin interior design and modification as well as aircraft conversion being further built up in Singapore.

Aerospace Standards to enhance competitiveness
Under the S$25 million Aviation Partnership Programme, CAAS, together with the Association of Aerospace Industries (AAIS), will be launching the Aerospace Standards (AS) Adoption Programme on 1 October 2010. This programme aims to promote the adoption of Aerospace Standards, more commonly known as AS9100, throughout the aerospace cluster in Singapore. The AS Adoption Programme complements the existing SPRING-AAIS initiative to drive the adoption of the AS9100 by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Under the AS Adoption Programme, companies adopting the AS will receive co-funding for their total consultancy and certification costs.

AS9100 aims to bring the global aerospace community to a single Quality Management Standard (QMS) standard. Major companies rely on the AS9100 certification to ascertain the effectiveness and quality of their suppliers' processes and QMS, and hence have listed AS9100 certification as a key supplier pre-requisite. The adoption of AS9100 will bring significant benefits to aerospace companies in Singapore, as it offers a well-structured system that effectively addresses quality concerns and improves productivity, and allows the companies to penetrate new markets and engage in global collaboration. The wider adoption of AS9100 by aerospace companies in Singapore will raise the productivity and competitiveness of the Singapore aerospace cluster.

Enclosure: Fact Sheet on Aviation Development Fund

About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
CAAS' mission is to "Grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success". CAAS' roles are: oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, develop Singapore as a centre for aviation knowledge and training, and contribute to the development of international aviation.

About Singapore JAMCO (SJAMCO) Pte Ltd
SJAMCO is a joint venture among the SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC), JAMCO Corporation and Itochu Corporation of Japan. It was established in January 1988 and its facility located in the Loyang Aviation Hub specialises in the design, manufacture, maintenance and repair of aircraft galley and monuments. SJAMCO's products range from closets to galleys complexes, and maintenance services offered include the overhaul of cabin monuments (galleys/lavatories), high quality seat upholstery refurbishment work, galley inserts, carpets and insulation blankets repairs for commercial and business jets.

About the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) - AAIS
AAIS, a non-profit organisation, is a leading industry association for the Aerospace Industry in Singapore that represents companies from the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) sector, Aerospace Manufacturing sector, Research and Development / Training sectors and suppliers for civil air transport and aerospace defence. The AAIS endeavours to provide leadership by facilitating strategies in innovation competitiveness, technical standards and accreditation. It also serves as a forum for members to discuss and elevate relevant issues to policy-makers and stakeholders.

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