Pratt & Whitney is to establish a technology accelerator in Singapore in collaboration with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).

Technologies developed in Singapore will be applied across Pratt & Whitney’s global MRO footprint, the company said.

The facility will serve as a centre of excellence for technology advancement, and help to accelerate the development and deployment of technology insertion projects across Pratt & Whitney’s four Singapore-based MRO facilities over the next five years.

The projects will focus on automation, advanced inspection, connected factory and digital twin, and are expected to be worth at least S$31 million (US$22 million). Pratt & Whitney said its aim was to help to enhance connectivity and intelligence across its MRO operations.

The Singapore technology accelerator will be located at the Seletar Aerospace Park, and is expected to be ready for occupation in the fourth quarter of this year. It will add 16 new positions, which the company plans to fill with local, full-time employees.

“The technology accelerator signals just how relevant and important a role technology has played, and continues to play, in the aerospace industry,” said Pratt & Whitney’s director, aftermarket global operations technology and CORE Gilbert Sim.

“Pratt & Whitney has been innovating for nearly a century, and we are looking forward to this collaboration with the Singapore aerospace ecosystem towards Industry 4.0 transformation.

“The push for digitalisation is underway across our facilities in Singapore, and the technology accelerator will increase the speed and scalability of these technology projects. The mission of the accelerator nicely aligns with Singapore’s push to digitalise the economy.”

Pratt & Whitney’s vice president, aftermarket global operations Kevin Kirkpatrick commented: “To date, our Asia Pacific MRO facilities have done a great deal in the way of technology insertion, including developing the first-in-MRO application of 3D printing for aero-engine component details, pioneering robotics in the sector and launching an industrial simulation software pilot that has already resulted in optimised floor space and increased productivity. Our employees continue to test the limits of what is possible.”

The Singapore EDB’s senior vice president, conglomerates Lim Tse Yong said: “We are excited to collaborate with Pratt & Whitney on the Singapore Technology Accelerator that will develop MRO technologies to be deployed across its global network. Pratt & Whitney’s investment is testament to Singapore’s position as a leading aerospace hub and strong ecosystem for innovation. We will continue to partner with the aerospace industry to enable the recovery in air travel and its long-term growth.”

Pratt & Whitney said it was also in discussions with Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) on technology innovation. The A*STAR hosts Singapore’s aerospace programme that drives innovation in emerging technologies and develops industry-relevant technologies for commercial aerospace.