Increase in Aviation Development Fund to S$160 Million to Drive Innovation and Productivity at Changi

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will renew the Aviation Development Fund (ADF) ¹ for five years from 1 April 2015, with an expanded size of S$160 million. The renewed ADF aims to drive transformative developments to ensure the Singapore aviation hub’s continued growth and competitiveness, with airport innovation and productivity as the key focus. Enhancements have also been made to better address the industry’s needs, following CAAS’ consultations with stakeholders.

Airport Innovation and Productivity will be Key Focus

With limited manpower resources to support the growth of Changi Airport in the years ahead, Changi must raise its productivity substantially to maintain its competitiveness.

The renewed ADF will also support the development of innovative airport solutions and capabilities that will maintain Changi Airport’s status as a leading global air hub. In tandem with the Smart Nation initiative, it will also aim to help the airport community better collect, analyse and use data to improve decision making.

Of the S$160 million in the renewed ADF, S$140 million will be dedicated to raising airport productivity, the two above-mentioned complementary focal areas, as well as manpower development efforts necessary to support these desired outcomes.

CAAS will launch more sector-level programmes to spur sector-wide collaboration on initiatives that will increase the overall productivity and competitiveness of Changi Airport. This will build on the sectoral programmes already established, such as those to drive the adoption of passenger self-service and the employment of technology for higher labour productivity.

For company-level programmes, CAAS will increase funding support and extend timelines to encourage more transformative projects.  Companies may enjoy funding of up to S$5 million per project with up to a five-year implementation timeline, compared to S$2 million and two years currently.

In addition, CAAS will make thematic grant calls to encourage companies to take on projects. The first grant call will be launched later this year.

In line with the SkillsFuture initiative, CAAS will take a comprehensive life-cycle approach for aviation manpower development under the renewed ADF. This is to help build a quality and passionate workforce to support Changi Airport and the aviation industry in Singapore. New programmes will target both youths and aviation professionals at all stages of their school life and careers respectively. CAAS will initiate deeper engagement efforts to raise awareness of aviation careers among youths, such as partnerships with schools and institutes of higher learning. Aviation professionals can benefit from job redesign and enhanced career pathways.

Mr Tan Lye Teck, Executive Vice President (Airport Management), CAG, said, “Productivity continues to be a key priority for Changi Airport Group (CAG). We are placing emphasis on increasing both manpower productivity and operational efficiency in airport operations, without compromising the experience for our passengers. We have achieved encouraging results from our Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) initiatives like self-check in, and will implement these options progressively across the airport. We welcome CAAS’ enhanced focus on productivity and the additional ADF funding which will contribute to our efforts to enhance Changi Airport as an efficient air hub with high standards of service excellence.”

Mr Alex Hungate, President and Chief Executive Officer of SATS Ltd, said, “At SATS, we have a growing pipeline of productivity and innovation projects involving the use of robotics, sensors, automated guided vehicles and mobile computing technologies. As the possibilities of what technology can do for us are multiplying, the expanded funding from CAAS will provide a catalyst for us to push forth these projects to drive greater productivity and bring new innovative service offerings to our customers. For the community, CAAS’ support will not only help to alleviate the high investment costs but also promote greater collaboration amongst the various stakeholders to develop more breakthrough ideas that will anchor Changi’s position as a major air hub in Asia.”

Other Projects and Ideas

The remaining S$20 million of the S$160 million will be set aside to fund other projects and ideas which have significant benefits for the Singapore aviation industry.

Note: ¹ The ADF was established in 2010 with a size of S$100 million.

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.

Website: www.caas.gov.sg

For more information, please contact:

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

Genevieve Yeow (Ms) 
Assistant Manager (Corporate Communications) 
Tel: (65) 6541 2082
Email: genevieve_yeow@caas.gov.sg