Reflections on Our Exciting Singapore Trip
A personal note from Juriaan Kellermann, CEO of Fokker Next Gen
Fokker Next Gen enjoying the local tastes of Singapore
As I sit back and reflect on the recent leg of our trip to Singapore, I can't help but feel a surge of excitement and optimism for the future of Fokker Next Gen (FNG). The dynamic and forward-thinking environment in Singapore has provided us with invaluable insights and opportunities that I am eager to share.
Singapore's Thriving Innovation Ecosystem
Singapore has long been recognized as a global hub for technology and innovation, and our experience here has only reinforced this reputation. From our meetings with leading institutions and companies, it's clear that Singapore is heavily investing in emerging technologies and sustainable solutions, which aligns perfectly with FNG's vision.
Our discussions with Singapore Airlines highlighted the airline's commitment to digitization and state-of-the-art technologies. They are keen on exploring the benefits of new tech, notably hydrogen combustion powered aircraft. This opens up significant collaboration opportunities for us, particularly in integrating our innovative aircraft into their existing frameworks.
Meeting between representatives of Alta Exchange, C*Funds, and Fokker Next Gen
Strategic Meetings and Potential Partnerships
One of the most promising aspects of our trip was the series of meetings we held with various stakeholders, from government bodies to private investors. Each interaction provided us with critical feedback and potential pathways for collaboration.
Nederlandse Ambassade: The Dutch Embassy in Singapore has shown strong support for our initiatives, emphasizing the region's openness to funding technology and innovation. Their advice on collaborating with local supply chains and focusing on national security and independence was particularly insightful.
EDBI: The Economic Development Board Investments (EDBI) team asked detailed and constructive questions, reflecting their deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in aerospace technology. Their interest in ensuring cooperation with Singapore's R&D institutions and capabilities in hydrogen propulsion is a significant step forward for us.
Key Investment Firms: Several prominent investment firms provided detailed feedback on our business model and the technological aspects of our aircraft. They have shown a keen interest in the hydrogen infrastructure and the potential revenue timelines, which indicates a promising avenue for securing investment.
Interesting Discussions with the Singapore Air Force
We had a particularly noteworthy discussion with the Republic of Singapore Air Force. They expressed a keen interest in our versatile platform powered by hydrogen combustion, which provides an excellent opportunity for dual-use applications. The concept of a dual-fuel aircraft, capable of using both traditional and hydrogen fuels independently, was particularly appealing to them. This versatility not only enhances the aircraft's operational flexibility but also aligns with the strategic goals of the Singapore Air Force in terms of sustainability and energy independence.
Their interest in the design and certification aspects of our aircraft further validates the robustness of our technology. The potential for the Air Force to act as a small but significant customer, especially if Changi Airport develops the necessary hydrogen infrastructure, is a compelling prospect.
Building Momentum and Attracting More Partners
What excites me most is the traction we are gaining in this region. The interest and support we received have reinforced our belief that FNG's innovative approach is resonating well. Our partnership slots are starting to fill, and we are on the lookout for more strategic partners who share our vision for a sustainable aviation future.
Ataru Onuma, CEO and MD of ACA Investment and Juriaan Kellermann, CEO of Fokker Next Gen
Highlighting Key Technologies
During our discussions, the emphasis on hydrogen as a fuel and the development of composite tanks and hydrogen pumps by companies like IHI was particularly noteworthy. The potential for using Singapore as a base for our customer support in Asia and the alignment with Changi Airport's infrastructure plans are critical components of our strategic roadmap.
Our technology-oriented presentations, including the virtual twin concept and detailed R&D roadmaps, were well-received. We plan to incorporate the feedback and enhance our presentations further to showcase the maturity levels of our technologies and our commitment to meeting certification challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our trip to Singapore has been nothing short of transformative. The strategic insights, potential partnerships, and overwhelming support have set a solid foundation for FNG's growth in Asia. We are definitely seen here as paving the way for a revolutionary shift in sustainable aviation.
As we continue our journey to Japan, I am confident that the connections and collaborations we are forging will propel FNG to new heights. For our investment community, this is an exciting time to be part of our journey, and I invite you to join us as we innovate and lead the way in the next generation of aviation.
Warm regards,
Juriaan Kellermann
CEO, Fokker Next Gen