SINGAPORE: While the Republic has become the hub for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) in Asia, the industry is now facing some challenges.
With new generation jetliners such as the Airbus A350 XWB that raise the game in fuel efficiency and travel comfort, the MRO industry could be tested.
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ST Aerospace, the world's largest independent airframe MRO player, has said that it is optimistic about its prospects, despite these aircraft requiring less maintenance, and with maintenance intervals that are further apart.
Said Mr Lim Serh Ghee, President, ST Aerospace: "In terms of capabilities, we have also built up a lot of breadth from the aircraft maintenance and modification, to the components to the engines, to engineering.”
Pratt & Whitney – one of the big three jet engine builders – is confident MRO demand will pick up even though each engine requires less maintenance, as there are more planes flying around the region.
Mr Matthew Bromberg, President, Aftermarket, Pratt & Whitney: "For a given engine, that is true. Every engine is incredibly reliable today. But then we are increasing the size of the worldwide fleet, so the demand for aftermarket services will continue to grow. So, for a given engine, it’s more reliable but the number of engines is growing significantly".
With oil prices remaining low, there could be further relief for the MRO industry as people travel more and airline profits increase.
"They will utilise the aircraft more, the engine more. When they utilise, the maintenance needs will be increased,” said Mr Lim. “When they are profitable, they will reinvest and they reinvest in cabin interior product to compete. That’s where we are positioned to do cabin interior reconfiguration."
"That’s why I said that it will positively impact us if lower oil prices are sustained,” Mr Lim added.
Singapore's aerospace industry has more than a quarter share of Asia’s MRO industry. According to the Economic Development Board, the industry has grown at an average rate of 10 per cent in the last two decades.
- CNA/dl
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/st-aerospace-optimistic/1940262.html
already holding 10lots of STE. Going to add more if it goes down to 3.1x now just monitoring it