Derby aero engine-maker Rolls-Royce has extended an agreement with Singapore Airlines that will see the two companies work together on pioneering digital technology.
The firm, which has its civil aerospace division at Sinfin, has signed a “co-innovation agreement” with Singapore that builds on an existing relationship between the two firms.
It will see both firms work together to identify untapped opportunities to enhance flight efficiency, safety and aircraft availability through digital applications and services.
A pioneering working partnership between the companies has now been launched through which they will use a secure digital platform to collaborate on the creation of aviation-specific digital solutions.
The agreement is driven on behalf of Rolls-Royce by R2 Data Labs, an innovation catalyst inside the company that exists to deliver untapped value from data.
Rolls-Royce has been at the forefront of digital services in aviation for more than 20 years. The venture with Singapore Airlines fits in with the firm’s IntelligentEngine vision, which aims to develop engines and electrical systems that are increasingly connected, contextually aware and comprehending.
The firm is currently developing a new engine using digital data. UltraFan is being created using the latest digital technology for design and production, enabling engineers to analyse millions of data points on test.
Rolls-Royce is currently building a new £90 million test bed at its Sinfin site, which will eventually be a test base for UltraFan. The new facility will be commissioned in 2020, with ground tests of the UltraFan starting in 2021.
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Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce’s president of civil aerospace, said: “We are excited to extend our relationship with Singapore Airlines through this data-driven partnership. It fits perfectly with our IntelligentEngine vision and enhances our commitment to reinventing with digital.
“The combination of data from Rolls-Royce and our airline partners is a rich source of information on how to achieve optimal flight.
“We look forward to working with Singapore Airlines on next-generation digital solutions.”
Ng Chin Hwee, executive vice-president of human resources and operations at Singapore Airlines, said: “At Singapore Airlines we have always taken pride in operational excellence and we are pleased to be extending our long-standing relationship with Rolls-Royce through this new technology partnership, at a time when we are significantly investing in our digital capabilities.
“We generate huge quantities of data through our airline operations and we are excited about the possibilities that this collaboration offers – such as predictive maintenance, which will help us to further enhance our operations.”