Adaptability of aviation sector will face more severe tests: Singapore minister

Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam stated that "the adaptability of the aviation sector to increasing challenges will be under more frequent and severe tests" (Xinhua, 06-Jun-2011). Speaking at the IATA 67th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit, Mr Tharman stated there is no lack of challenges facing the industry, adding that there are supply side tests such as volatile and escalating fuel prices, competition for human capital, and the challenge of ensuring stable labour-management relations, as well as questions over the ability of airport and air navigation infrastructures to keep pace with the projected growth in air traffic.