ST Engineering & Ramco in AI-led MRO tech partnership

ST Engineering's Commercial Aerospace business has signed a memorandum of understanding with aviation software provider Ramco Systems, outlining a long-term digital partnership focused on next-generation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) technology.

The agreement covers joint work on digital solutions for the global aerospace industry, including a feasibility study on establishing a jointly operated competency centre and innovation lab in Singapore.

Singapore hub

The proposed facility would serve as a focal point for digital innovation and artificial intelligence work related to aviation MRO.

The MoU was announced at the Singapore Airshow, where the signing took place. A photo from the ceremony shows Jeffrey Lam, President Commercial Aerospace at ST Engineering, alongside P.R. Venketrama Raja, Chairman of Ramco Group.

MRO providers face growing pressure to improve turnaround times and manage costs while meeting compliance and documentation requirements. Airlines and lessors are also pushing for clearer visibility of maintenance status across fleets and components. As a result, software platforms and data tools have become central to maintenance operations alongside engineering and shop-floor processes.

MRO focus

The MoU links ST Engineering's MRO operations across airframes, engines and components with Ramco's aviation software products and agentic AI platform. ST Engineering also referenced its original equipment manufacturer and engineering solutions, including nacelles design and manufacturing, cabin interiors, and passenger-to-freighter conversion.

The partnership is intended to develop digital tools spanning multiple parts of the maintenance lifecycle, with AI-enabled solutions as a key theme.

Digital programmes in aviation maintenance often cover planning, materials, job execution, technical records, and compliance and airworthiness documentation. Many operators are also exploring automation for task assignment, exception handling, and predictive approaches based on usage data. The companies did not specify which product modules would underpin the partnership, or a timeline for any potential lab or centre.

Jeffrey Lam, President Commercial Aerospace, ST Engineering, said: "This potential collaboration builds on our ongoing digital transformation journey. By pairing our operational experience and know-how with Ramco's aviation and AI expertise, we can unlock new avenues to boost MRO efficiency and further enhance the value delivered to our customers."

Software element

Ramco said it would contribute its aviation product suite and AI-driven platforms, positioning its role around platform development for the aviation ecosystem and scaling digital tools in regulated environments.

The MoU reflects a broader trend in aerospace services, as large maintenance groups increasingly partner with software specialists rather than relying solely on internally built tools. Such collaborations can also serve as testbeds for product development, particularly when software vendors gain access to operational workflows and real-world maintenance data, subject to customer and regulatory controls.

Sandesh Bilagi, President & COO, Ramco Systems, said: "We are delighted to partner with ST Engineering, a global leader in commercial aerospace services, to shape the next generation of digital aviation platforms. Ramco will support this initiative with its aviation product suite and AI-driven platforms, enabling the agility, regulatory compliance, and operational depth required to scale with confidence. This collaboration reflects our shared vision of working with industry leaders like ST Engineering to co-create future-ready solutions for the aviation ecosystem."

Next steps include the feasibility study for the Singapore-based competency centre and innovation lab, as the companies explore how a joint facility could be structured and operated as the partnership develops.