FAA and CAAS Deepen Cooperation with Milestone Aviation Maintenance Agreement

This agreement with Singapore is the first to be established in the Asia Pacific

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) concluded a milestone Maintenance Implementation Procedures (MIP) agreement today, on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow. This agreement allows for reciprocal acceptance of safety oversight requirements, as well as the mutual recognition of procedures for the approval and monitoring of aircraft maintenance organisations.

(From left to right) Mr Michael Huerta, FAA Administrator, and Mr Kevin Shum, Director-General of CAAS, sign a milestone Maintenance Implementation Procedures (MIP) agreement on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow.

The MIP was concluded under the wider ambit of the US-Singapore Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA)[1] signed in 2004. It is the second agreement under the BASA, the first being the Implementation Procedures for Airworthiness (IPA) signed in 2004 between the FAA and CAAS, and further enhanced in 2007. The IPA provides for the mutual recognition of airworthiness of civil aeronautical products. It has benefitted both countries’ aeronautical design and manufacturing industries through significant time and cost savings, as well as deepened expertise of personnel as a result of the mutual cooperation and technical assistance rendered by both parties. The MIP is expected to reap similar benefits. In particular, the MIP will significantly reduce regulatory burdens and compliance costs for the aviation industry. It also will eliminate duplication of inspections and audits on aircraft maintenance organisations in Singapore and the US.

"This landmark agreement with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore will strengthen aviation safety while reducing the cost of inspections for aircraft repair work," said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. "The United States looks forward to our continued collaboration with ASEAN Member States."

Director-General of CAAS, Kevin Shum, added, "This latest agreement between CAAS and the FAA reflects the strength of our bilateral relationship that dates back more than two decades. We share a common goal in finding solutions to tackle complex challenges in the aviation landscape, in areas such as aviation safety and security, air traffic management, environmental issues related to aviation, and human capital development. I am confident that this BASA-MIP will further strengthen our partnership in achieving solutions for the aviation industry."

Note: [1] The BASA is a government-to-government umbrella agreement that provides the framework for the FAA and CAAS to develop implementation procedures for reciprocal acceptance in areas including, but not limited to, approval and monitoring of maintenance facilities and maintenance personnel, flight operations and flight crew members, as well as aviation training establishments.

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

About the Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operates the safest, most efficient, and complex aerospace system in the world. The FAA employs 44,000 people globally who are dedicated to improving safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability through global leadership, regulatory harmonization and partnerships. The FAA regulates the U.S. civil aviation industry and commercial space transportation, and is increasing safety and efficiency through its air traffic modernization program – NextGen. Aviation contributes $1.5 trillion annually to the U.S. economy, supports 12 million jobs, and constitutes 5.4 percent of the nation’s gross national product.

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