Emma Kelly / Singapore
Ahead of the Singapore Air Show 2024, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has announced a boost to the country’s aviation training, with plans to enhance and expand the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA).
The CAAS also signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) to work together on aviation safety training and competency development.
The SAA, which currently offers more than 110 aviation courses and has trained 157,000-plus personnel from more than 200 countries, will review and update its curriculum with a focus on aviation safety, sustainability and innovation. The move is designed to strengthen SAA’s position as a leading civil aviation training organisation.
CAAS has appointed three senior staff to head the SAA’s Schools of Aviation Management, Aviation Safety and Security, and Air Traffic Services to review and develop new curricula, build a pool of trainers, and convene new platforms for engagement.
The School of Aviation Management will launch a new programme on Climate Change and Aviation Sustainability in October, organised jointly with Airports Council International World. The School of Aviation Safety and Security will introduce new programmes in cybersecurity, mental health, runway safety and safety culture.
The School of Air Traffic Services will develop new programmes on emerging operational concepts such as Trajectory-Based Operations and refresh its programmes to build a new generation of air traffic controllers to meet future needs, including the new Changi Airport Terminal Five.
The SAA will undergo a S$120 million transformation, increasing its training capacity by 20% and adding technology-enabled classrooms and more networking and informal learning spaces.
Under the MoU with IFALPA, the partners will work together on the development and delivery of training programmes and workshops related to aviation safety; build up a pool of instructors and resources for the co-development or co-delivery of aviation safety programmes; and leverage existing and establish new outreach platforms to promote aviation safety.
“Aviation safety is a top priority of the Singapore air hub as we ramp up operations to meet rising demand for air travel. We have a robust safety regime covering all aviation companies and professionals and will step up training to raise competencies, including among pilots,” said Han Kok Juan, CAAS Director General.
Image credit: CAAS
