Singapore to spend 'billions' on upgrading air traffic control hardware and training, says Khaw

Beijing

SINGAPORE expects to spend several billion dollars over the next few decades to upgrade Changi Airport's air traffic management system and introduce other enhancements to ensure a high level of safety and efficiency.

Speaking at an industry conference in Beijing on Thursday, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said the current air traffic management system, which cost over S$300 million, was commissioned in 2013.

"We have started developing its next generation in order to avoid obsolescence," he said.

The upgrades are important for safeguarding aviation safety as traffic numbers continue to grow, he said at the China Aviation Development Forum. "To manage increasingly crowded and complex airspaces, heavy investment in state-of-the-art technologies and systems, as well as investments in continuous training and upskilling, are critical."

He added: "Some commentators think that managing air space is a viable business venture, but they are wrong. Fees by airlines barely cover the high cost of managing airspace properly."

Singapore, which manages the air traffic in one of the busiest and most complex blocks of airspace in the world, invests heavily in air traffic management capabilities.

Apart from investing in hardware, the Republic also focuses on the recruitment and training of air traffic controllers. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) currently has a pool of 700 air traffic controllers.

A aerodrome simulator recently launched at the Singapore Aviation Academy enables instructors to simulate unplanned situations to train controllers in the handling of difficult situations, honing their air traffic control techniques.

Mr Khaw said: "We also work with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) to make such training courses available to aviation professionals in other ICAO member states. We are mindful that safer skies ultimately benefit all."

It is also important to increase the operational efficiency of airspace management. "Air traffic management today is largely fragmented. This results in inefficiencies, longer flight times and higher costs for airlines," he noted.

To fully realise the benefits of air traffic growth, governments should take the lead in integrating airspace and optimising its use, he said.

In South-east Asia, countries have adopted the vision of a seamless Asean Sky - a seamless block of airspaces with harmonised and interoperable procedures and operations.

When fully implemented, the region can expect a multi-fold increase in airspace capacity, cost reductions, fewer delays and enhanced safety of air traffic management, Mr Khaw said.

"It is a wonderful vision with great benefits for all. ... But it will require governments to take an enlightened win-win approach, grounded in mutual trust. It will take time to realise such a vision. I am confident that it will happen in due course."

He added that the crowded skies will increase the complexity of airspace management and this will place great stress on air navigation service providers.

"As transport ministers and regulators, our responsibility is to help preserve the long-term sustainability of civil aviation. ... Even as we enjoy the benefits of safety and convenience of air travel, we should remain vigilant, anticipate potential risks and implement risk mitigating measures," he said.