The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) signed a deal with its Hong Kong counterpart on Friday to expand mutual aircraft, engine and component maintenance.

Lim Kim Choon, chief of the Singapore's civil aviation authority said in a statement, "The conclusion of this enhanced agreement...benefits both Singapore and Hong Kong's aerospace industries by paving the way for new business opportunities and augmenting efficiency in regulation of aircraft maintenance."

Norman Lo, Director-General of Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department said mutual recognition reduces duplication of approvals and auditing activities, maximizing the resource utilization of both regulators and industry partners.

Lo said the use of common airworthiness standards improves aircraft maintenance quality.

The pact allows maintenance companies from both sites to service aircraft registered in each other site without seeking additional approval from authorities there.

(Xinhua News Agency August 29, 2008)