U.S. Vice President Joe Biden visited Eagle Services Asia, Pratt & Whitney's Singapore-based engine overhaul facility, on July 27, while touring the country as part of a six-day trade and diplomatic trip that also included a stop in India earlier in the week.

During his visit, company officials escorted Biden on a tour of the facility, which is the company's center of excellence for PW4000 engine overhaul. Both parties later discussed the Asia-Pacific region's importance in the aviation industry and highlighted how Pratt & Whitney's presence in Singapore enables the company to remain competitive and reinvest in innovative technology.

“Hosting Vice President Biden and showcasing this world-class facility was an honor and a privilege," said William Kircher, Vice President, Singapore Overhaul and Repair, and president, UTC Aerospace Singapore.

“In addition to demonstrating how we support our growing customer base in the region, this visit allowed us to discuss the significant investments being made throughout the company's global operations as we prepare for the production ramp up of our game-changing PurePower® and F135 engines,” he added.

In introducing Vice President Biden to a crowd of 300 employees, dignitaries and local business representatives, Kircher explained how the Asia-Pacific region is a rapidly growing segment in aviation. According to a recent Boeing forecast, airlines in the region will need 12,820 new airplanes, valued at $1.9 trillion, over the next 20 years. The number of airplanes in the Asia Pacific fleet will nearly triple to 14,750 airplanes in 2032.

“Singapore's thriving aerospace industry is mutually beneficial for Singapore, for the United States, and for Pratt & Whitney. It's good for Singapore because Singapore is a hub for U.S. exports and investment. A presence in this market benefits the United States because companies can compete in the global marketplace and reinvest domestically in innovation and creating new technology,” said Kircher

“And it's good for Pratt & Whitney because it enables us to maintain our competitive stake in the industry by performing the right work in the right places … close to our customers where we can meet their needs conveniently and with cost-effective products and services,” he added.

While in Singapore, BIden spoke about economic opportunities in the region, including the importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Singapore's role as a hub for U.S. exports and investment.