SINGAPORE — The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), GE Aerospace and the International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 2 February 2026 at the 3 rd Changi Aviation Summit to establish the Singapore Partnership for Aviation & Aerospace Research and Capability (SPAARC).
Under the partnership, the parties will work together to develop next-generation aviation and aerospace technology solutions across multiple domains in Singapore, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications to enhance aviation safety and operational effectiveness across maintenance, flight operations, and airspace management, including AI governance frameworks that ensure these systems meet aviation's rigorous safety standards.
- Airspace modernisation to improve safety, efficiency, and resilience of airspace operations. This includes developing advanced analytical systems that support better planning of flight routes to optimise airspace flows and improve capacity, as well as digital platforms that improve coordination and communication between airports, airlines, and flight crews.
- Advanced aerodynamic research to support next-generation propulsion systems and enhance aircraft performance and efficiency. This includes research into novel engine designs and ensuring these advanced engines can be effectively integrated with current aircraft designs and airport infrastructure.
The parties will also establish a collaborative framework to identify research and development (R&D) opportunities, coordinate joint efforts and facilitate knowledge sharing.
To capture future air traffic growth in an increasingly complex airspace environment, the SPAARC reflects the parties' shared commitment to advance aviation and aerospace innovation, and enhance operational safety, durability, and efficiency. The collaboration also marks a significant expansion by GE Aerospace within Singapore beyond its existing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations in the country.
Mr. Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS, said: “We have seen rapid advancement in technologies across many fields which, if applied to aviation, has the potential to fundamentally transform it. But because aviation is global and safety-critical, development and deployment at scale involves multiple stakeholders and is often long-drawn and costly. Through public-private-research partnerships such as this, we hope to establish and offer new innovation pathways that are more efficient and effective than what are available currently. These will help accelerate the development and deployment of breakthrough capabilities.”
Mr. Jermaine Loy, Managing Director of EDB, said: “The establishment of SPAARC reflects Singapore’s commitment and ambition to spearhead aviation and aerospace innovation. This partnership will add new capabilities to Singapore in areas such as AI, air traffic management and aerodynamics. Our local workforce will also have opportunities to develop advanced technologies that will drive Singapore’s continued growth as a global aviation and aerospace hub.”
Mr. Rahul Ghai, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for GE Aerospace, said: GE Aerospace is proud to collaborate across the aviation ecosystem in Singapore to advance innovative technologies that support our customer needs for efficiency and reliability, while always putting safety first. Together, through the new Singapore Partnership for Aviation & Aerospace Research and Capability (SPAARC), we’ll shape what’s possible for the future of flight.”
Mr. Patrick Ky, Chief Executive Officer of ICAI, said: “As a globally-focused aviation entity, ICAI plays a unique role as a neutral driver of international partnerships. We bring together governments, industry, and research institutions to co-develop solutions for the region’s rapid air traffic growth and airport operations. Through SPAARC, our work with GE Aerospace and key industry stakeholders translates research into real world capabilities, helping to de-risk innovation and make transformative aviation projects achievable.”
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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. For more information on CAAS, visit www.caas.gov.sg.
About the Singapore Economic Development Board
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), a government agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is responsible for strategies that enhance Singapore’s position as a global centre for business, innovation, and talent. EDB undertakes investment promotion and industry development, and works with international businesses, both foreign and local, by providing information, connection to partners and access to government incentives for their investments. Our mission is to create sustainable economic growth, with vibrant business and good job opportunities for Singapore and Singaporeans. For more information on EDB, please visit www.edb.gov.sg.
About GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 57,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future. For more information on GE Aerospace, please visit at www.geaerospace.com.
About the International Centre for Aviation Innovation
The International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI), established in 2023, is a global aviation innovation hub dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of advanced technologies across the aviation ecosystem. ICAI fosters international partnerships by bringing together governments, industry leaders, and research institutions worldwide to co-create solutions that address critical industry challenges, including capacity and manpower constraints and the need for decarbonisation. Its mission is to translate research into real-world operational capabilities, building a vibrant innovation ecosystem that ensures a safe, efficient, and sustainable future for flight in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. For more information on ICAI, please visit www.icai-aviation.org
For media queries, please contact:
CAAS
Amelia Wong Manager, Corporate Communications
Mobile: +65 96126255
Email: amelia_wong@caas.gov.sg
EDB
Vivian Quek, Assistant Vice President, Brand, Marketing and Communications
Mobile: +65 9794 6121
Email: Vivian_Quek@edb.gov.sg
GE Aerospace
Chelsey Levingston, Technology Media Relations
Mobile: +1 513-720-6458
Email: Chelsey.levingston@geaerospace.com
ICAI
Nicole Chan Manager, Corporate Communications
Mobile: +65 9641 0960
Email: nicole_chan@icai-aviation.org