Rolls-Royce is close to reaching an agreement with Singapore Airlines (SIA) on establishing a joint-venture company to repair and overhaul nozzle guide vanes (NGVs) for Trent turbofan engines.
It is understood that the two sides hope to sign a final agreement by the end of this month. The Singapore-based joint venture will have a regional role, providing an NGV overhaul capability for Trent engines which are in service with Asian carriers.
The deal follows SIA's order for up to 77 Trent 800-powered Boeing 777s for itself and associated joint venture Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise. Other Trent engine operators expected to use the new site include Cathay Pacific Airways, Malaysia Airlines (MAS), Thai Airways International and Garuda Indonesia.
Discussions are also being held to further extend the new centre's capabilities, possibly to include turbine-blade servicing. The centre forms part of co-ordinated plans by R-R to establish complementary sites around the region (Flight International, 21-27 February, 1996).
Source: Flight International
