CAAS to accelerate aviation industry transformation
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) announced a range of initiatives and collaborations with aviation stakeholders at its annual Aviation Community Reception held at the newly completed Seletar Passenger Terminal Building.
The initiatives build on the sector's transformation efforts through the Air Transport Industry Transformation Map announced in 2017. They are aimed at driving innovation and improving productivity, expanding airport infrastructural capacity, and deepening skills of workers in the aviation sector, in order to enhance Singapore Aviation's competitiveness. For more details, please refer to Annex A on Air Transport Industry Transformation Map.
Fast Track Innovation and Productivity
The Aviation Challenges (ACs) have been a key driver of innovation in the sector. To encourage further innovation, CAAS will be launching the third AC, focused on "Innovation for Seamless Ground Operations". The AC will be designed to provide greater flexibility and encourage stronger collaboration between end-users and technology providers. An increased funding of S$9 million will be set aside to support development and implementation of prototypes.
In order to enable the innovative uses of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in Singapore's urban environment, MOT and CAAS will be awarding up to S$6 million to four consortiums who submitted proposals to CAAS' UAS Call-For Proposal (CFP) last November to develop and test UAS working prototypes. The selected proposals explore solutions in areas such as surveillance, inspection, package and maritime delivery, and the effective and safe use of airspace for UAS. The CFP enables collaboration with industry players to trial innovative drone operations, while ensuring safety objectives are met.
To support such efforts, CAAS will top-up the Aviation Development Fund (ADF) with another S$120 million. For more details, please refer to Annexes B and C.
Continue Development of Aviation Infrastructure
The new Seletar Airport Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) will open by the end of 2018 and will transform operations at Seletar Airport. It will increase its passenger-handling capacity to 700,000 a year, about four times the current handling capacity, and significantly improve the experience for passengers travelling through Seletar Airport. Once operational, the consolidated turboprop operations at Seletar will connect Singapore to more destinations.
Besides the Seletar Passenger Terminal Building, CAAS will continue to make investments in developing the infrastructure at Changi Airport, and upgrade the Air Traffic Management infrastructure. These moves are part of a broader strategy to cement Singapore's position as a premier air hub.
Prepare the Future Workforce
SkillsFuture Study Award for Air Transport
CAAS supports air transport workers to upskill themselves. This year, 33 aviation professionals were awarded the SkillsFuture Study Award for Air Transport. Since 2016, 81 professionals have benefited from the Award.
Skills Framework for Air Transport
The Skills Framework for Air Transport has been developed to better support career planning and development for workers in the aviation sector. The Skills Framework provides workers with key information on the sector and employment, career pathways, occupation/job roles, as well as existing and emerging skills and competencies required for the occupations/job roles. It also informs individuals on the available training programmes for skills upgrading and mastery. The Framework was developed by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), Workforce Singapore (WSG) and CAAS, together with employers, industry associations, unions, and educational and training institutions.
The Skills Framework will facilitate and support other government-led initiatives in particular, the Adapt and Grow Professional Conversion Programme for Air Transport Professionals that was rolled out earlier this year to support interested mid-career entrants enter the Air Transport sector.
Aviation companies will invest more in training for their staff, tapping on the Skills Framework for Air Transport. For example, SATS will be launching its SATS Academy,
which will align its programmes with the Skills Framework for Air Transport to allow employees to receive SSG nationally-recognised certification.
SIT Degree in Air Transport Management
The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) has developed a new Bachelor of Science in Air Transport Management. This is the first MOE-recognised degree programme for air transport. It will strengthen the pipeline of skilled aviation professionals for aviation transformation.
The three-year degree curriculum has been developed in close partnership with SIT, CAAS, and aviation companies. It includes modules on airport operations and management, airline business fundamentals, airline marketing, revenue analysis and management. There will also be an 8-month Integrated Work Study Programme to prepare undergraduates for industry. SIT plans to take in 50 students for the first intake. Classes will begin in 2019.