Aerospace Diary

SINGAPORE AIR SHOW  »  2014 by    NEELAM MATHEWS Jet Aviation’s expanded Seletar hangar triples the size of the original structure at right. February 11, 2014, 3:15 AM Business aviation services group Jet Aviation (Booth E83) is set to significantly boost its maintenance capability in Asia when it completes construction of 79-foot high second hangar at Singapore’s Seletar Aerospace Park in April. The new $25 million facility will triple the size of its present facility adding almost 54,000 sq ft of hangar space. Jet Aviation president Robert Smith told  AIN  that his company’s ability to grow its presence here is in part thanks to the “proactive policies of the Singapore government.” The decision to expand was driven by the growing demand for large, long-range business jets in the Asia Pacific region. “Asia is by far the fastest growing region and Europe is flat,” said Smith. “We expect to fill capacity [in the ne...

MEBA CONVENTION NEWS » DECEMBER 11, 2012 by  NEELAM MATHEWS December 10, 2012, 12:00 PM As India’s general aviation sector limps back to life after temporary stagnation, Middle East companies have been reaping the results of its tax-infused, straight-laced policy on maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). The country is fast losing the advantage of its strategic geographic position that places it midway on the vital Middle East and Southeast Asian routes that could enable faster turnarounds. Another merit in India’s favor, namely a pool of qualified engineers that speak English, is getting eroded and diluted as the workforce moves to Middle East countries. It is losing its inexpensive-labor/high-skills edge as neighbors hasten their efforts to keep up with changing trends, adopting newer technology and serving a growing base of dedicated customers. India’s inert market, tied as it is with stringent policies, has resulted in an exodus to the Middle East and Singapore of tr...