Lee Kuan Yew's vision turned Singapore into major aviation hub: Qantas

FORMER Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew championed greater liberalisation of the aviation industry and it was this vision that turned Singapore into one of the world's most important aviation hubs, said the Qantas Group on Tuesday.

"As an airline with close ties to Asia, the Qantas Group has benefited greatly from this vision; he welcomed investment and forged closer ties with Australia," said Qantas in a condolence letter.

"Mr Lee has been an inspirational figure for Singapore, and widely recognised as one of the most respected statesmen in the world," said the Australian flag carrier in a statement. "Mr Lee has left a deep and lasting legacy, and we share Singapore's loss at the passing of a great man."

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