Singapore Launches Aviation and Aerospace Research Partnership with GE Aerospace

Collaboration areas include AI applications to enhance safety and operational effectiveness across maintenance, flight operations, and airspace management.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, the Singapore Economic Development Board, GE Aerospace, and the International Centre for Aviation Innovation in Singapore have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the Singapore Partnership for Aviation & Aerospace Research and Capability (SPAARC). The partnership will focus on developing next-generation aviation and aerospace technologies in Singapore, including AI applications, airspace modernization initiatives, and advanced aerodynamic research.

Why it matters

This partnership reflects Singapore's commitment to positioning itself as a global hub for aviation and aerospace innovation. By leveraging expertise from both the public and private sectors, as well as research institutions, Singapore aims to accelerate the development and deployment of breakthrough capabilities that can transform the aviation industry.

The details

Under the SPAARC partnership, the parties will collaborate on several key areas, including using AI to enhance aviation safety and operational effectiveness in maintenance, flight operations, and airspace management. They will also pursue airspace modernization initiatives, such as advanced analytical systems for flight route planning and airspace flow optimization, as well as digital platforms to improve coordination among airports, airlines, and flight crews. Additionally, the partnership will support advanced aerodynamic research aimed at next-generation propulsion systems and improved aircraft performance and efficiency.

  • The memorandum of understanding was signed at the 3rd Changi Aviation Summit on February 16, 2026.

The players

Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore

The national aviation authority of Singapore responsible for regulating and overseeing the country's civil aviation industry.

Singapore Economic Development Board

A government agency responsible for planning and executing strategies to enhance Singapore's position as a global business hub.

GE Aerospace

An American aerospace company and a subsidiary of General Electric, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

International Centre for Aviation Innovation in Singapore

A research institution focused on developing innovative technologies for the aviation industry in Singapore.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Han Kok Juan, Director-General, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (militaryaerospace.com)

“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.”

— Jermaine Loy, Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board (militaryaerospace.com)

What’s next

The partners will establish a collaborative framework to identify research and development opportunities, coordinate joint projects, and facilitate knowledge sharing as part of the SPAARC partnership.

The takeaway

This partnership demonstrates Singapore's strategic focus on leveraging advanced technologies, such as AI and digital platforms, to enhance the safety, efficiency, and competitiveness of its aviation and aerospace industries. By fostering collaboration between the public sector, private companies, and research institutions, Singapore aims to position itself as a global hub for aviation and aerospace innovation.