'Our Journey, Our Future' Exhibition charts 100 years of aviation in Singapore

Singapore's aviation story comes alive at the Aviation Centennial Exhibition

'Our Journey, Our Future', the Singapore Aviation Centennial Exhibition, was launched today at Changi Airport. The Exhibition, which is presented as anaviation journal,is part of the year-long Singapore Aviation Centennial Celebrations to mark 100 years of aviation in Singapore. Opening a book on a pedestal, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, unveiled the Exhibition.

The Exhibition, running from 8 August to 31 October 2011, traces the rich historical journey of Singapore aviation, highlighting the big and small steps that have shaped the industry today. It also provides a deeper understanding of how aviation has contributed significantly to the Singapore economy, brought the world closer to Singapore, opened up infinite business and leisure opportunities, and transformed the nation into a global city. Visitors can learn more about the thriving Singapore aviation ecosystem, how the various parts work together and how it is connected with life in Singapore. Visitors are also offered a glimpse of the future of air travel and aviation, presented by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airbus.

A multi-media experience
Visitors can flip through iPads to find out how Singapore became so connected to the world in "Opening Up The Skies" as well as the many historical firsts in various aspects of Singapore aviation. Through audio recordings, visitors can also listen to personal accounts of aviation professionals, some of whom have been in the business for over 40 years, on how aviation has changed through the years, and their memorable experiences. For those curious to know what goes on round-the-clock at Changi Airport, "The Buzz Behind The Scenes" offer exclusive footages of key activities such as air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, airport emergency services, air cargo and logistics, baggage handling, and inflight catering. At "Flights of Fun", visitors can also try their hand at safely launching and landing a plane at the airport of one of the many cities that Changi Airport is connected to.

Exhibits of the past and future
On display are also artifacts, equipment and plane models. In addition to a copy of the Colonial Air Navigation Order dating back to the mid-1900s, tools used by air traffic controllers and an IATA air ticket which is no longer in use, visitors may be surprised to learn that Singapore manufactures the meal carts that fit in the cabin of an aircraft. There is also a model of Airbus’ new concept plane on display, for the first time in Asia. The transparent plane presents an idea of how an aircraft of the future might look like.

Guess the weight of the Bristol Boxkite Biplane
Taking centre stage at the Exhibition is a half-scale stainless steel replica of the Bristol Boxkite biplane piloted by Mr. Joseph Christiaens that made the first flight in Singapore on 16 March 1911, heralding the start of aviation in Singapore. Visitors have the opportunity to participate in a contest to "Guess the weight of the Bristol Boxkite Biplane". The winning entry stands to win a pair of Singapore Airlines return economy tickets to Los Angeles.

The Singapore Aviation Centennial Exhibition is held at Changi Airport, Terminal 3 Departure Hall, Row 11, and is open daily from 7.00 am to 11.00 pm. Admission is free.

Highlights at "Our Journey, Our Future" Exhibition

About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to "Grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success". CAAS' roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, develop Singapore as a centre for aviation knowledge and training, and contribute to the development of international aviation.

About the Singapore Aviation Centennial Celebrations
Singapore is celebrating 100 years of aviation this year, fromthe first flight in Singapore on 16 March 1911. The Singapore Aviation Centennial Celebrations (SACC) is a calendar of industry and public events/activities showcasing Singapore aviation and its achievements and opportunities.

For more information, please contact:

Ms Isabell Tay
Manager (Corporate Communications)
Tel: (65) 6541 2913
Email: isabell_tay@caas.gov.sg

Ms Satwinder Kaur
Assistant Director (Corporate Communications)
Tel: (65) 6541 2912
Email: satwinder_kaur@caas.gov.sg