SIA-NUS to launch digital aviation research facility

The facility is valued at $45m. 

A research facility focused on digital aviation research was announced by Singapore Airlines (SIA) and the National University of Singapore (NUS).

The facility is set to accelerate the digital transformation of the country’s aviation industry, as well as push for the redefining of the air travel experience. As a joint project by SIA and NUS, the $45m research facility is currently located at Innovation 4.0 at the NUS Ken Ridge Campus. This is the seventh of its kind to be established at the university, and the 19th in Singapore. 

Present at the launch was Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Chairman of the National Research Foundation Singapore.

“This corporate laboratory will strengthen our position at the forefront of digital innovation in the airline industry. It will lead to even more innovative solutions that can enhance the customer experience and travel journey, optimise revenue generation, and increase operational efficiency. Our collaboration with NUS will also reinforce Singapore’s position as a global aviation hub with world-class research and cutting-edge technologies at the heart of our future”, said Goh Choon Phong, CEO, SIA.

Heading the laboratory is Professor Teo Chung Plan, Executive Director, Institute of Operations Research and Analytics, NUS, and Chan Mun Chung, Senior Manager, SIA Digital Innovation Lab. 

Included in the facility is a cockpit simulator with Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies and a cabin simulator. Research activities by NUS, meanwhile. Include revenue management and dynamic pricing, transforming competency and skill development, employee wellness, passenger comfort, sleep, and cabin service.

This is a result of an earlier partnership between NUS and SIA, with the airline launching its Digital Innovation Blueprint in 2018. Two Memoranda of Understanding between the two were also accomplished as a result of the agreement.