Singapore and France Collaborate to Uplift Aviation Capabilities in the Pacific Small Island Developing States
2 February 2026
The Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA), the training arm of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC), the French Aviation University under the supervision of the Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC), the Civil Aviation Authority of France have officially launched an Advanced Master in Air Transport Management on 1 February 2026. This is a new executive programme that aims to strengthen aviation leadership, regulatory capabilities, and aviation safety outcomes among the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS). The Advanced Master programme was launched by the Director-General of CAAS, Mr Han Kok Juan, and the Director-General of DGAC, Mr Chems Chkioua, at the Fullerton Hotel, Singapore, in the presence of the Directors-General of Civil Aviation of PSIDS.
2 The Advanced Master programme will be jointly delivered by ENAC and SAA as part of the Enhanced Framework Agreement for Civil Aviation between Singapore and France, in close partnership with the PSIDS. It reflects a shared commitment to advancing aviation safety, strengthening institutional resilience, and supporting the sustainable development of air transport in small island and developing economies.
3 Senior faculty and practitioners from SAA, ENAC, and the wider aviation community will conduct the 18-month programme, which consists of twelve modules, covering topics such as aviation management, aviation safety, regulatory oversight, safety management systems, strategic leadership, and organisational governance, followed by a professional thesis. The inaugural cohort will comprise around 20 officers from civil aviation authorities and state-owned aviation organisations of the PSIDS. The course will begin on 5 May 2026, with subsequent modules to be delivered over 12 months. Fully funded by France, Singapore and other aviation stakeholders, this course will take place in Fiji with some modules conducted virtually.
4 Speaking at the launch, Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS said, “The joint programme brings together complementary expertise of Singapore and French civil aviation authorities and aviation training academies to help build leadership capabilities in the Pacific Small Island Developing States. It is testament to our shared commitment to the Pacific Island States and our shared belief that no country should be left behind in the aviation growth story.”
5 Mr Chems Chkioua, Director-General of DGAC added, “It is a great honour for France to offer and deliver this Advanced Master in Air Transport Management together with Singapore. This programme is specifically designed for the senior leadership and top management of Civil Aviation Authorities from the Small Island States of the Pacific, whose environments requires addressing unique and demanding challenges. This Advanced Master in Air Transport Management is one piece of our commitment to facilitate the exchanges among the people of the South Pacific. It also reflects a strong international cooperation effort which illustrates the strength of our comprehensive strategic partnership with Singapore.”
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, provide aviation training for human resource development, and contribute to the development of international civil aviation. For more information, visit www.caas.gov.sg.
About the Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile of France
The mission of the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) is to guarantee the safety and security of air transport by placing sustainable development at the heart of its actions. It deals with all aspects of civil aviation: sustainable development, safety, air traffic control, economic regulation, support for aircraft construction, general aviation and aeronautical training.
For media queries, please contact:
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Email: caas_corporate_communications@caas.gov.sg