Singapore’s Republic Polytechnic Opens New Aircraft Hangar

Republic Polytechnic (RP), one of Singapore’s leading tertiary institutions, has opened The ARCH (The Aerospace Hub), a new aerospace training facility.

Located at RP’s campus, The ARCH is the first purpose-built hangar at an institute of higher learning in Singapore, and will provide RP’s aerospace and aviation students with an industry-relevant, hands-on learning experience.

The facility also aims to help meet the growing demand for skilled manpower in the aerospace industry, and strengthen Singapore’s position as an aviation hub.

“The addition of this aerospace hub further enhances RP’s aerospace programme capabilities. Modeled after a real hangar facility, the ARCH has several adjacent workshops for students to get hands-on practical training in aircraft repair and maintenance techniques,” said Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Principal/CEO, Republic Polytechnic.

The ARCH has a built up space of 1,500 square metres with all the facilities typically found in an actual industry aircraft hangar, including aircraft sheet metal repair, composite repair, and non-destructive testing.

The hangar will also house RP’s newly acquired Learjet aircraft, which will be used to enhance the school’s teaching capabilities by equipping its aviation and aerospace students with in-depth and hands-on opportunities to study aircraft structures, systems and engines.

To commemorate the opening of its new hangar, Republic Polytechnic has signed MoUs with three leading players - Diethelm-Keller Aviation Pte Ltd, SATS Ltd and Hawker Pacific Asia Pte Ltd - in the aerospace and aviation industry.

Diethelm Keller Aviation

A global leader in the manufacturing of galley inserts for the airline industry, DKA will partner RP in the areas of student internships, mentoring for final year projects, exclusive seminars and collaboration in technology development.

Mr Chia Chee Seng, CEO, Diethelm Keller Aviation Pte Ltd, said, “With this collaboration, Diethelm Keller Aviation (DKA) hopes to bring in more Republic Polytechnic (RP) students to pursue training opportunities at both its Singapore and Suzhou, China facilities. Through our engagement, we can jointly develop programmes that will be beneficial for both RP and DKA.”

Hawker Pacific Asia

A market leader in integrated civil and military aerospace sales and product supplier for some of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, has signed a two-year MoU with RP.

RP students will benefit from internships, final year mentoring, seminars and talks from Hawker Pacific, collaboration in developing technologies and development opportunities for academic staff.

“We are very proud to be collaborating with Republic Polytechnic on the development of skills and mentorship, to the next generation of aviation professionals and to be contributing to the enhancement of Singapore's growing aerospace industry,” said Mr Tony Jones, Chief Operating Officer, Hawker Pacific Asia Pte Ltd.

SATS

With over 60 years of operating experience and a growing regional presence, SATS is Singapore’s leading provider of gateway services and food solutions.

The three-year MoU will provide RP students with internships, industry workshops and training, final year mentoring, student sponsorship and scholarships.

Mr Tan Chuan Lye, President & CEO of SATS said, “This MoU with RP is one of the several initiatives we are taking to build SATS’ talent pipeline for the future. While SATS and RP have previously collaborated in areas such internships and recruitment, we are pleased to forge a stronger partnership through this MoU by exploring opportunities for joint research as well as offering short work stints where RP’s students can seek employment in SATS during their long vacations to gain work experience that will enhance their learning and development.”

Earlier this month, RP also signed a two-year MoU with Pratt & Whitney, a leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. Under the MoU, Pratt & Whitney will – through its five Global Service Partners’ Singapore-based facilities – provide internships and employment opportunities for RP’s students, as well as sponsor RP students through scholarships or book prizes.

RP’s School of Engineering currently offers three aviation-related diplomas – the Diploma in Aerospace Avionics, Diploma in Aerospace Engineering, and Diploma in Civil Aviation – with a combined intake of 300 students.

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