Aerospace Industry Singapore – Leading Aerospace Hub

10%

of global MRO output contributed by Singapore’s aerospace industry¹.

16%

year-on-year growth in aerospace output in 2023².

>130

players in the aerospace industry — one of the largest and most diverse ecosystems in Asia³.

One of Asia’s largest and most diverse aerospace hubs

Poised for growth
World-class talent
Innovation and collaboration

Singapore's aerospace industry is home to globally leading aerospace companies and has one of Asia’s largest and most diverse aerospace ecosystems. We have over 130 aerospace companies across R&D, manufacturing, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), and aftermarket services, as well as local small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) suppliers.

As an aerospace hub in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, we benefit from being home to the world’s largest and most vibrant economies – with the rising middle class and young consumers driving demand for air travel.

Aircraft undergoing maintenance in a hangar, representing leadership in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) market.

MRO market leadership

Our MRO sector rebounded after COVID – and as Asia’s leading one-stop solutions provider for aerospace MRO needs, we now contribute 10 per cent to global MRO output.

Anchored by home-grown enterprises and MNC partners, we offer comprehensive nose-to-tail services, including MRO for all major engine platforms across GE Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and CFM International.

Our excellent connectivity and infrastructure also make us a world-class base for aerospace firms’ regional distribution centres.

Cutting-edge capabilities

Our strengths in MRO, precision engineering, electronics, and strong intellectual property regime enable companies to manufacture some of the most complex parts of aircraft, such as avionics and engine components.

Airplane with growth charts, symbolizing aerospace industry expansion.

Significant growth in 2023

Aerospace output in Singapore grew by an impressive 16 per cent year over year in 2023, signalling a thriving market for international businesses.

Engineers discussing jet engine design in a high-tech lab.

Significant employment growth

Over the past two years, aerospace companies have ramped up hiring, adding almost 3,000 jobs from 2021 to 2023. To sustain this growth, there are plans to hire more than 2,500 employees in the next three to five years.

Tailored work-study pathways

The Singapore government has partnered with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and aerospace companies to create tailored work-study pathways. These programmes ensure that students gain practical, industry-relevant skills while completing their education, making them job-ready upon graduation.

Professional consultation with documents and laptop, representing guidance for mid-career transitions.

Supporting mid-career transitions

Workforce Singapore (WSG) offers Career Conversion Programmes (CCPs) for aerospace officer and executive that provide up to 90 per cent salary support. This initiative helps companies defray the costs of recruiting and reskilling mid-career individuals, facilitating their transition into the aerospace industry.

Singapore’s aerospace industry is committed to staying ahead of the curve through continuous innovation and strategic collaborations. By focusing on sustainability and leveraging our strong research ecosystem, we are positioning ourselves for long-term success in the global market.

Engineers collaborating around a high-tech engine model, symbolizing innovation in product and process development.

Championing product and process development

Leading aerospace companies are in Singapore to create new and advanced aerospace products to meet the industry’s evolving needs. Many are focusing on improving the methods and processes used in manufacturing and maintenance.

Thales has developed in Singapore, a groundbreaking remote ID product for the safe deployment of drones. The product is manufactured here and is today a key component of Thales’ global drone solutions.

The Smart Manufacturing Joint Lab (SMJL) by Rolls-Royce, SAESL and A*STAR has worked with more than 200 SMEs to develop and deploy 18 new technologies over the past six years. These technologies have been deployed in the companies’ fan blade manufacturing and MRO facilities in Singapore, resulting in over 30 per cent process lead time improvement.

By driving process development, the Singapore aerospace industry has maintained itself as the most productive and competitive manufacturing and MRO site for many of our aerospace companies across their global network.

Team meeting with ESG presentation, representing collaboration with a strong network of local partners.

Established pool of local partners

We support companies in developing and qualifying local small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) as their suppliers. This approach fosters a win-win partnership, enhancing the capabilities of local businesses while ensuring a robust supply chain for aerospace companies.

Worker installing solar panels at sunset, symbolizing efforts to build a sustainable green ecosystem.

Building a green ecosystem

As a leading aerospace hub, Singapore is dedicated to creating a sustainable aerospace ecosystem through partnerships with like-minded organisations. For example, JTC has implemented eco-friendly infrastructure at Seletar Aerospace Park, featuring EV charging stations, solar-ready buildings, and increased green spaces.

Learn about the success of these businesses in Singapore

How global aerospace companies are investing in Singapore to serve rising demand

The Singapore Airshow 2024 saw announcements from Airbus, GE Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, Thales, and more, investing over S$750 million across 10 projects in the next five years.

Rolls-Royce and SIA Engineering Company

Singapore Aero Engine Services Pte. Ltd. (SAESL), a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and SIA Engineering Company, will invest US$180 million to nearly double its aerospace MRO presence in Singapore by 2026.

Partnerships for Capability Transformation Scheme

This scheme was introduced to help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and their suppliers cover a portion of costs related to equipment, materials, testing, and professional services.

Singapore Aerospace Programme

The Singapore Aerospace Programme is a pre-competitive research programme with membership comprising of major international aerospace companies along with the A*STAR Research Institutes and complemented by the Institutes of Higher Learning and Local Enterprises.

Space Technology Development Programme

The programme aims to develop space capabilities to foster innovation, support research and development, and accelerate the growth of Singapore's satellite technology ecosystem. It comprises three distinct funding archetypes, each tailored to address specific stages of technology development and industry needs.

Discover programmes to transform your business

Explore additional programmes designed to enhance the capabilities or broaden the scope of operations for businesses in Singapore.

Insights into Singapore’s Aerospace Industry

View articles

Reach out to us for information on how we can facilitate your investment journey

Contact EDB

The latest business insights and news delivered to your inbox

References

Singapore’s Aerospace Industry

One of Asia’s largest and most diverse aerospace hubs

Poised for growth

World-class talent