ST Engineering Unveils Cargo Drone and Marine Craft at Singapore Airshow, Marking New Growth Phase

By Julie Zhu and Jun Yuan Yong SINGAPORE, Feb 4 (Reuters) - ST Engineering is highlighting two innovative platforms at the Singapore Airshow, signaling a notable advancement into next-generation aviation technologies for the world's leading airframe maintenance and repair services provider. At Asia's premier aerospace and defence event, the Singapore-based company introduced the DrN-600, a large all-electric vertical take-off-and-landing cargo drone, and established partnerships with ferry operators for its crewed craft, the AirFish Voyager. Jeffrey Lam, chief operating officer of ST Engineering and president of its commercial aerospace sector, described drones as "a new market—essentially a game changer, as this product is unprecedented and viable," in an interview during the event. The DrN-600, which can travel over 70 km (43 miles) with a 100-kg (220-pound) payload capacity, is ST Engineering's largest drone to date, targeting medium-lift cargo operations, with expected certification by 2028. This expanded focus on unmanned systems comes as ST Engineering, like many industry players, grapples with global supply chain challenges while seeking growth in emerging technologies. Lam underscored the transformative potential of drones in commercial and industrial sectors, ranging from cargo delivery to security surveillance. "In the past, power lines and structures nationwide required human inspection. Today, drones can perform these tasks more efficiently and effectively," Lam pointed out. He suggested that drones could eventually substitute some helicopters, ferries, and seaplanes, although their market size will not immediately compete with that of the commercial aviation sector. While the initial focus is on commercial applications, Lam indicated the company's willingness to consider military uses as well. Yet, he noted that regulatory frameworks remain a significant barrier to broad drone adoption. "Regulations are still being developed globally. We are partnering with governments worldwide to tackle air traffic management and safety issues over populated areas," Lam mentioned. In line with its cargo drone initiatives, ST Engineering's joint venture, ST Engineering AirX, announced two partnerships on Tuesday to introduce the AirFish Voyager—a 10-passenger vehicle that skims above water at speeds of up to 100 knots—through ferry operators in Southeast Asia and India. While advancing its drone projects, ST Engineering is also expanding its core maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations to accommodate rising demand. This week, the company revealed the launch of an integrated airframe and engine nacelle service center in Singapore, its first globally, aimed at streamlining maintenance processes and minimizing turnaround times for aircraft operators. Lam noted that over the past year, ST Engineering has enhanced nacelle MRO capacity in the U.S. and China, with its Singapore facilities set to become operational in the forthcoming months. (Reporting by Julie Zhu and Jun Yuan Yong in Singapore; Editing by Jamie Freed)