Singapore, 10 November 2023 – The Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) marked the culmination of its 20th Anniversary activities with an industry Gala Dinner held on 9 November 2023. Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State at Singapore’s Ministry of Trade & Industry and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, graced the occasion as the evening’s guest of honour. The Gala event was also attended by senior representatives from AAIS membership, industry professionals and the Association’s partners.
The Singapore aerospace sector has demonstrated a strong resurgence following the global downturn in air travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has since emerged as a bright spot in Singapore’s manufacturing sector, with industrial production exceeding pre-COVID levels in the aerospace industry by 2022. This trajectory has continued on the back of robust demand for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, with the industry achieving a 20% growth in output in the first eight months of 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year. According to the Singapore Economic Development Board, Singapore’s global market share in aerospace engine MRO has reached 15%, establishing it as Asia Pacific's largest aircraft engine MRO industrial base.
Celebrating Singapore Aviation and Aerospace Heritage
Marking this significant progress and as part of its 20th Anniversary celebrations, AAIS launched “Propel”, a commemorative book that traces the humble beginnings and fascinating rise of aviation and aerospace in Singapore.The book’s central narrative explores the history of aviation in Singapore, from the first airfields of the Royal Air Force to the development of Changi Airhub. These chapters were penned by Goh Yong Kiat, an industry veteran and author with several publications on Singapore's aviation and air defence history.
Interspersed between the central narrative are stories contributed by leading aerospace companies in Singapore – including SIA Engineering Company, ST Engineering, Airbus, Boeing, GE Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Collins, Rolls-Royce, Thales, and ACP Metals – as well as the Economic Development Board. Together, "Propel" paints a vibrant and collective portrait of the aerospace sector's growth, alongside the flourishing of Singapore’s air transport industry. (The book will be made available to the public. See Annex A for more details.)
Initiative to Promote SME Development in Aerospace
AAIS also announced the Promising Entrepreneurs Programme (PEP), a new year-long programme tailored by AAIS to foster the growth and development of next-generation SME leaders in the aerospace sector.
Recognising that many SME members are family-run businesses with multi-generational leadership, AAIS conceived PEP to equip these emerging leaders with the essential knowledge and skills to guide their companies into the future. The PEP receives support from the Transfingo group of companies, an AAIS member and SME, also celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year. (See Annex B for details.)
Minister of State Mr Alvin Tan said, “AAIS is a valuable partner of the Government as we seek to grow and develop our aerospace industry. The Promising Entrepreneurs Programme is yet another important initiative to groom the next generation of local aerospace leaders and bring the industry to new heights. I look forward to many more years of close partnership between the Government and AAIS.”
AAIS President Mr Wong Yue Jeen said, “We are proud to mark our 20th Anniversary with the launch of ‘Propel’ to preserve the story of Singapore’s aviation and aerospace journey. Exciting prospects await the industry, and we are also pleased to announce the Promising Entrepreneurs Programme which aims to help next-generation SME leaders grow and capture opportunities in aerospace. Looking ahead, we will continue working closely with our members and partners to drive the industry forward.”
AAIS 20th Anniversary
Established in 2003, AAIS emerged during a challenging period for the aviation industry, facing the aftermath of 9/11 and SARS. The Association once again demonstrated its value as a voice for the aerospace community during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping members and galvanising collective action through unprecedented business challenges. The initiatives launched as part of the Association’s 20th-anniversary activity calendar reflect its unwavering dedication to honour the legacies, celebrate achievements, and drive the advancement of Singapore's aerospace sector.
With 190 companies in its fold, AAIS represents a diverse range of stakeholders within the aviation, aerospace, and unmanned aircraft systems industries in Singapore. At the Gala dinner, AAIS also honoured long-standing members which have been a part of the Association for 15 years and more. (see Annex C for details.)
