The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) concluded a milestone Maintenance Implementation Procedures (MIP) agreement today, on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow. This agreement allows for reciprocal acceptance of safety oversight requirements, as well as the mutual recognition of procedures for the approval and monitoring of aircraft maintenance organisations.

The MIP was concluded under the wider ambit of the US-Singapore Bilateral Safety Agreement (BASA)1 signed in 2004. It is the second agreement under the BASA, the first being the Implementation Procedures for Airworthiness (IPA) signed in 2004 between the two parties and further enhanced in 2007.

The IPA provides for the mutual recognition of airworthiness of civil aeronautical products. It has benefitted both countries’ aeronautical design and manufacturing industries through significant time and cost savings, as well as deepened expertise of personnel as a result of the mutual cooperation and technical assistance rendered by both parties, the CAAS said.

The MIP is expected to reap similar benefits. In particular, the MIP will significantly reduce regulatory burdens and compliance costs for the aviation industry. It also will eliminate duplication of inspections and audits on aircraft maintenance organisations in Singapore and the US.

“This landmark agreement with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore will strengthen aviation safety while reducing the cost of inspections for aircraft repair work,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “The United States looks forward to our continued collaboration with ASEAN Member States.”

Director-General of CAAS, Kevin Shum, added: “This latest agreement between CAAS and the FAA reflects the strength of our bilateral relationship that dates back more than two decades. We share a common goal in finding solutions to tackle complex challenges in the aviation landscape, in areas such as aviation safety and security, air traffic management, environmental issues related to aviation, and human capital development. I am confident that this BASA-MIP will further strengthen our partnership in achieving solutions for the aviation industry.”