This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.

GE Aerospace Launches New Module Repair Operations in Singapore with US$300 Million Investment Plan

GE Aerospace has officially commenced new module repair operations at Seletar Aerospace Park in Singapore, marking a significant expansion of its maintenance capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. The opening ceremony, held on February 4, 2025, signals the beginning of a newly announced US$300 million (approximately S$400 million) investment plan scheduled to span from 2025 through 2029.

According to the company’s announcement, this investment is designed to enhance MRO capabilities specifically for the CFM LEAP engine family. The facility will focus on high-tech repairs for High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) modules, integrating advanced artificial intelligence and automation to streamline operations. This move reinforces Singapore’s position as a critical node in the global aviation supply chain, where it currently handles approximately 60% of GE Aerospace’s global repair volume.

Strategic Expansion and Technological Integration

The new facility at Seletar Aerospace Park represents a shift up the value chain for the site, moving from component manufacturing to complex module repair. The operations will specifically service the CFM LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, which power the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families respectively. By focusing on module repair, servicing major sub-assemblies rather than individual small parts, GE Aerospace aims to facilitate faster maintenance cycles.

In addition to physical repair capabilities, the investment includes the establishment of an AI Center of Excellence. This initiative will deploy automated digital inspection tools and predictive maintenance technologies. According to GE Aerospace, these “Smart Factory” features are intended to reduce human error and accelerate the inspection process.

Tim McQueen, Executive Director of the Global Component Repair Network at GE Aerospace, highlighted the regional importance of this expansion:

“This expansion at Seletar Aerospace Park underscores our commitment to building in-region MRO capabilities that help reduce turnaround time and enhance connectivity for our customers across APAC and the Middle East.”

Economic Impact and Industry Partnership

The expansion is supported by key Singaporean industrial partners, including JTC Corporation (JTC) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). The investment aligns with broader industry goals to support a projected 33% increase in engine volume over the next five years. Furthermore, the facility targets a 28% reduction in turnaround time (TAT) for repairs, a critical metric for airline operators seeking to maximize fleet availability.

Zheng Jingxin, Vice President and Head of Mobility at the EDB, noted the significance of the investment for the local ecosystem:

“GE Aerospace’s new engine module repair facility reflects Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a trusted and reliable hub for aerospace operations… This latest investment adds advanced technologies and new repair capabilities to our advanced manufacturing ecosystem.”

The facility also introduces new sustainability measures, including REACH-compliant anti-corrosion coatings, ensuring operations meet stringent environmental safety standards.

AirPro News Analysis

The transition from component repair to module repair at the Seletar facility represents a significant maturation of the Asia-Pacific MRO market. “Module repair” allows for a “swap-and-go” maintenance approach, where entire sections of an engine (such as the High-Pressure Turbine) are replaced or serviced as a unit. This is distinct from component repair, which involves fixing individual blades or vanes.

For operators of the CFM LEAP engine, the workhorse of modern narrowbody fleets, this local capability is vital. By reducing the need to ship heavy engine modules to facilities in the United States or Europe, APAC carriers can expect significantly lower downtime. With the Asia-Pacific region projecting robust fleet growth, the capacity to handle high-stress components like HPTs locally will likely become a competitive differentiator for the Singapore hub.

Sources

• GE Aerospace