Singapore, Indonesia resolve long-standing airspace issue, pave way for future cooperation

THE agreement to realign the boundary between the Jakarta Flight Information Region (FIR) and the Singapore FIR resolves a key long standing bilateral issue between Singapore and Indonesia and ensures safe air traffic flows in the region, said Minister for Transport S Iswaran.

It would allow Singapore to continue providing air navigation services within a continuous block of airspace sufficient for Changi Airport's present and future needs and support the growth of Singapore's air hub and aviation-related sectors, he told the House on Monday (Feb 14).

The FIR Agreement would also ensure that air traffic to Indonesian airports - including Batam, Bintan and Tanjung Pinang airports - is managed safely and efficiently, he added.

Iswaran made these comments in a ministerial statement responding to questions from several Members of Parliament (MP) on the implications that the FIR Agreement would have on Singapore.

It was 1 of 4 agreements that were signed and endorsed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indonesian President Joko Widodo during the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat in Bintan in January.

Under the FIR Agreement, both countries agreed to realign the boundary between the Jakarta FIR and the Singapore FIR to meet Indonesia's desire to realign the FIR boundaries, taking into account its territorial baselines.

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Indonesia will delegate to Singapore the provision of air navigation services for the airspace closest to Changi Airport to meet the airport's current and future traffic needs.

Under this delegation arrangements, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore will provide air navigation services within the airspace where the provision of air navigation services has been delegated to Singapore.

The FIR Agreement also caters for civil-military cooperation in air traffic management based on provisions by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean said the agreement was reached as both parties "had a strong desire to resolve these issues decisively and amicably based on the framework endorsed".

"This set of agreements represents a win-win outcome. They are balanced, mutually beneficial and durable agreements for the long haul," said Teo.

"They will provide a strong foundation to further strengthen our bilateral relations," he added.

The international civil aviation community also stands to benefit from the FIR Agreement, said Iswaran.

"With the FIR Agreement and closer bilateral cooperation, airlines and other aviation stakeholders will have more opportunities to tap future growth in the air traffic in this region, grow their operations, connect more passengers, attract more investments and create more jobs in our regional aviation sector," he said.

Responding to a question on how the agreement will benefit Changi Airport, Iswaran said it gives Singapore the assurance that aircraft landings and takeoffs at the airport can be done safely and efficiently, and so the authorities can now focus on a range of other initiatives to enhance Singapore's status as an international aviation hub.

For instance, when potential investors and companies come to Singapore wishing to set up operations here, they can now be given the clarity and assurance that the issue has been resolved, he said.

"The key thing is that this agreement at its foundation gives us the clarity, certainty and confidence to move forward on many issues, not just in the interest of Changi, but also in our bilateral interests in terms of aviation cooperation, and in terms of how we can better serve the international aviation community as air travel grows in Asia," said Iswaran.

Both countries will have 25 years to implement the agreement and gain experience from the new arrangements.

Thereafter, the agreement can be extended by mutual consent after the 25-year period if both parties agree that it is beneficial to do so.

"This agreement and the principles underlying provide a good basis for future cooperation where each side brings something to the table," said Teo.

"We certainly hope and have confidence that after 25 years, the same spirit will prevail."