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 3rd 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.”