CAAS Upgrades Air Navigation Services Capabilities to Meet Rising Demand for Air Travel

             Air navigation services (ANS) provided by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) are set for a major S$4 billion “man-machine-method” upgrade over the next 15 years as Singapore gears up to meet rising demand for air travel, better serve passengers and airlines, and strengthen Singapore’s position as a global air hub.

2             The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) projects that air passenger volume will nearly triple over the next 25 years, with the Asia-Pacific region accounting for half of this growth. Air navigation service providers (ANSPs) need to build capacity and capabilities to better manage our skies that match investments in airport infrastructure on the ground. As a major air hub, Singapore will continue to invest in ANS capabilities to ensure that flying remains safe, efficient, and sustainable throughout the region as demand grows.   

Man: Growing the ATCO Workforce; Deepening Engineering and R&D Capability

3             Operating one of the busiest and most complex airspaces in the world, CAAS air traffic control officers (ATCOs) are key to the air hub’s daily operations and growth. Today, CAAS ATCOs manage 2,000 flights a day, including 1,000 flights into and out of Changi Airport.

4             To meet rising demand for air travel and prepare for the opening of Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5), CAAS will grow its current workforce of 500 ATCOs by about 40% to around 700 by the mid-2030s.

5      Air Traffic Control (ATC) is a specialised profession that offers many well-paying career opportunities for Singaporeans. Beyond operations, ATCOs can also progress to take on planning, technology, management and international leadership roles. Fresh university graduates receive a starting salary of about S$64,000 per annum[1] and can earn about S$120,000 per annum with five years of experience after licencing.