Rohr Aero Services Asia (RASA) has begun construction of a $13.5 million composite aerostructures repair and overhaul centre in Singapore, due to open in September next year.
The new 22,000m2 (237,000ft2) facility near Changi Airport will replace the Singapore-based joint venture's present shop, which is no longer large enough to support RASA's growing customer base. The company is 60%-owned by US manufacturer Goodrich, while Singapore Airlines subsidiary SIA Engineering holds the rest.
Goodrich group president aerostructures and aviation technical services Mike Piscatella says that in the longer term RASA may incorporate the US company's Singapore-based emergency evacuation slide and cabin equipment overhaul business, as well as the operations of TRW Aeronautical Systems (which Goodrich is also acquiring) in the country.
A key attribute of the new RASA facility will be its 4.6m (15ft)-diameter, 12.2m-long autoclave - the largest in Asia.
Source: Flight International
