BRITISH power systems and engines giant Rolls-Royce has picked Singapore Airlines Cargo as its partner carrier to support the operations of its future facility at Seletar Aerospace park.

Both companies have signed a memorandum of understanding, which accords SIA Cargo the 'preferred carrier status' for the carriage of Rolls-Royce's aircraft engines and component parts in and out of its planned engine test and assembly facility at Seletar.

Construction of the new facility will start early next year.

The agreement was inked by Singapore by Rolls-Royce's executive vice-president for supply chain Asia Pacific, Mr Ong Koon Ling, and SIA Cargo's senior vice-president for sales & marketing, Mr Tan Tiow Kor.

Mr Ong said: 'Roll-Royce and Singapore Airlines Cargo have had a strong and mutually beneficial relationship for many years, and we are confident that this new agreement with Singapore Airlines Cargo will provide the right supply chain solutions for our Singapore investments in line with our continued growth.'

Mr Tan said: 'Rolls-Royce sets very high service standards for its partners, and we are very pleased to be accorded the opportunity to transport their engines and components. We look forward to growing our business relationship, and to supporting Rolls-Royce's Facility of the Future.'