Integrated Lifecycle Solutions For An Increasingly Complex Aviation World

In the dynamic and demanding world of aviation, ensuring the seamless operation and tip-top condition of aircraft is paramount. ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace business stands at the forefront of this mission. By offering comprehensive and integrated lifecycle fleet solutions, ST Engineering supports operators and OEM partners at virtually every phase of an aircraft's journey, ensuring peak performance and reliability from delivery, takeoff to landing and beyond.

ST Engineering’s lifecycle fleet solutions can be best seen in its wide range of capabilities for the Airbus A320 family, which has been a mainstay of narrowbody aircraft operators for years. Its support for the short-haul workhorse starts from design and manufacturing of the LEAP-1A engine nacelle for its A320neo variant, airframe and engine MRO for its maintenance needs, to even repurposing passenger aircraft from narrowbody platforms (A320/A321) to widebody platforms (A330-200/A330-300) into freighter aircraft.

Nacelle Design and Manufacturing

To enhance fuel efficiency and sustainability for A320neo operators, ST Engineering leverages its design and engineering skills to produce LEAP-1A engine nacelles that perform with lower weight, less fuel burn, less community noise and yet have better aerodynamics.

ST Engineering’s extensive experience in integration, design, testing, flight test support and certification ensures nacelle excellence at every stage of development. Starting from the conceptualization and design stage, it closely collaborates with engine OEMs to optimize performance benefits of its nacelles while reducing carbon emissions. During the manufacturing process, its advanced composites manufacturing technologies and automated systems ensure consistent quality and speed in the production of nacelle components.

MRO Support

Operators that send their A320 family aircraft to ST Engineering for servicing know that they have access to a full suite of integrated MRO solutions that encompass airframes, engines, nacelles and components. No matter where they are based, operators can expect consistent, high-quality service from ST Engineering’s network of MRO facilities that span Asia, Europe and the U.S.

To support operators refreshing their narrowbody fleets with new-generation aircraft like the A320neo, ST Engineering became the first in Asia to join CFM International’s LEAP MRO network as a CFM-branded service agreement shop in 2023. It aims to set up testing capabilities for both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines by 3Q2024, and offer full performance restoration shop visit solutions soon after.

ST Engineering is also the only licensed MRO service provider based in Asia Pacific for the Honeywell components installed on LEAP engines, and provides nacelle aftermarket services for LEAP-1A from its nacelle MRO facilities in the U.S., Sweden and China backed by strategically located exchange pools worldwide. 

Passenger to Freighter Conversion

For operators seeking to maximize the value of their ageing fleets, ST Engineering offers a suite of Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversion solutions to give older aircraft a new lease of life. Developed in collaboration with Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), its joint venture with Airbus, ST Engineering is the only provider for the A320P2F, A321P2F and A330P2F conversions that use Supplemental Type Certificates developed using OEM data.

It supports lessors and air cargo operators worldwide with a network of P2F facilities in Singapore, China, Germany and the U.S., and has third-party conversion facilities in China, Turkey and Japan to effectively meet long-term demand for converted freighters.

Cabin Interior Solutions

To help airlines differentiate the flying experience for their passengers, ST Engineering provides integrated cabin interior solutions from design, engineering and product development to cabin reconfiguration and refurbishment.

Furthermore, to allow passengers with reduced mobility to enjoy a dignified travel experience, ST Engineering has developed ACCESS, the world’s first expandable cabin lavatory solution for narrowbody aircraft. This solution has been certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for installation on the Airbus A320 family.

In addition to customized engineering and retrofit programs for airline customers, ST Engineering also develops, manufactures and supplies composite components such as overhead bins and floor systems for Airbus aircraft.

Leasing Solutions

For lessees who are asset-light or require flexibility in fleet management, ST Engineering provides bespoke leasing solutions that enable them to focus on their flight operations and business development. It goes beyond traditional aviation asset leasing to provide freighter conversion and leasing as well as MRO services as part of its offerings in lifecycle asset management. As a full-fledged aircraft and engine lessor, it also possesses core competencies in deal origination, financing, securitization, lease management, technical asset management, re-marketing and repossession.

Providing Convenience Through Bundled Services

To unlock even more value for its customers, ST Engineering has embraced a one-stop approach by offering “bundled services” that can include any combination of the aforementioned solutions. By tapping on its global network of facilities, extensive engineering know-how and synergistic capabilities, ST Engineering is able to support A320 operators wherever they are and provide customized and integrated services that cater to the needs of their fleets.

Adding to the benefits of proximity, bundled services allow for simplified communication and contracting arrangements, providing greater peace of mind for operators to focus on their business. For example, freighter operators can lease and take redelivery of Airbus A320P2F aircraft, and subsequently receive MRO services for them, all through ST Engineering. Such bespoke solutions underpin ST Engineering’s value in empowering its partners and customers to capture new growth opportunities amid an increasingly complex aviation landscape.

Bundled, integrated solutions are available for other platforms beyond the Airbus A320 family. Visit https://www.stengg.com/en/aerospace/ to find out more.