MRO & Manufacturing

RTX Invests $139 Million to Expand Aerospace Operations in Singapore

RTX plans over $139M investment in Singapore to boost aerospace manufacturing and MRO for Boeing 777X and 787 with AI integration by 2030.

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This article is based on an official press release from RTX.

RTX Commits $139 Million to Expand Singapore Aerospace Operations

RTX, the world’s largest aerospace and defense company, has announced a significant expansion of its operational footprint in Singapore. In a statement released on February 3, 2026, during the Singapore Airshow, the company confirmed plans to invest more than $139 million (approximately S$185 million) into the region. The investment is structured through multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).

The new agreements specifically target RTX subsidiaries Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney, aiming to bolster manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities. According to the company’s announcement, these initiatives are designed to support next-generation Commercial-Aircraft, including the Boeing 777X and 787 Dreamliner, while integrating advanced Automation and AI into local workflows. The projected timeline indicates that these new capabilities will be fully operational by 2030.

This move reinforces Singapore’s status as a critical node in the global aerospace supply chain. RTX currently stands as the country’s largest foreign aerospace employer, with a workforce of over 4,300 spanning 12 facilities. The investment builds upon a strategic framework previously established between RTX and the EDB at the Paris Air Show in June 2025.

Collins Aerospace: Focusing on Next-Gen MRO

A major portion of the investment is allocated to Collins Aerospace, which will establish new MRO capabilities for critical systems on widebody aircraft. The press release details that the division will introduce support for the Integrated Drive Generators found on the Boeing 777X. Additionally, Collins Aerospace plans to expand its service offerings for the Boeing 787 fleet, specifically targeting “flight-critical” products.

These upgrades cover a range of essential aircraft components, including electrical power systems, environmental controls, and airframe control systems. By localizing these services, RTX aims to improve turnaround times and support the growing fleet of widebody aircraft operating within the Asia-Pacific region.

Pratt & Whitney: AI Integration and Capacity Expansion

The investment also funds significant upgrades for Pratt & Whitney’s operations in Singapore, focusing on both capacity expansion and technological modernization. The company outlined specific plans for two of its key facilities:

Seletar Facility Upgrades

At the Seletar facility, Pratt & Whitney will install a new maintenance line dedicated to the GTF™ engine Fan Drive Gear System (FDGS). This expansion is notable for its technological approach; the company states that the new line will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced automation. These tools are expected to streamline maintenance processes and reduce turnaround times for airline customers.

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Tuas Facility Expansion

Simultaneously, the Tuas facility will undergo a 25% expansion of its coating operations. This site specializes in applying protective coatings to engine “hot section” parts, a process vital for enhancing component durability and engine longevity.

Chris Haave, Vice President of International Operations at RTX, emphasized the long-standing relationship between the company and the host nation:

“These new MOUs build on our 50-year presence in the country and reflect our continued commitment to Singapore as a strategic hub for developing next-generation aerospace technologies. Together with EDB’s strong support, we are investing in capabilities that will support our customers in the region.”

Strategic Implications for the Region

The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) has actively courted investments that align with “Industry 4.0” standards, bringing smart manufacturing and high-value technical roles to the island state. While specific hiring numbers were not disclosed in the initial release, the EDB confirmed that the investment would generate high-value jobs focused on advanced manufacturing technologies.

Cindy Koh, Executive Vice President of the EDB, highlighted the dual benefits of the partnership:

“The expansion of new capabilities in next-generation commercial aircraft platforms will strengthen Singapore’s leadership as a global aerospace hub, and create exciting jobs for locals in advanced manufacturing technologies.”

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to integrate AI-driven maintenance lines at the Seletar facility signals a broader shift in the MRO sector toward predictive maintenance and automated quality control. As the Asia-Pacific region continues to project the highest growth rates for global passenger traffic, the demand for rapid, reliable MRO services is intensifying. By localizing the repair of complex components like the GTF Fan Drive Gear System and Boeing 777X generators, RTX is effectively shortening the supply chain for Asian carriers, reducing the reliance on shipping components back to facilities in the United States or Europe.

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Photo Credit: SHIKHAR GUPTA, BT

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