CAAS and RSAF Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Forge Career Transition Partnership for Air Traffic Controllers

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to formalise a career transition partnership for retiring RSAF Air Traffic Controllers.  The MoU was signed by Mr Tay Tiang Guan, CAAS Senior Director (Regulatory and International Group) and Colonel Kwek Kok Kwong, Commander Air Defence and Operations Command. Witnessing the MoU signing were Mr Lim Kim Choon, CAAS Director-General and Chief Executive Officer and Major-General Ng Chee Khern, Chief of Air Force, as well as senior management from both organisations.

Under the scheme, retiring RSAF Air Traffic Controllers can pursue a second career as civilian Air Traffic Controllers with CAAS.  RSAF Air Traffic Controllers possess relevant operational experience in aerodrome and approach control services and are trained in and familiar with civil air traffic control standards as defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).  The scheme, which serves to make the most of the available highly specialised aviation professionals in Singapore, opens up an avenue for CAAS to employ the highly-trained and experienced RSAF Air Traffic Controllers to supplement its current recruitment sources of air traffic controllers. 

In his address during the MoU signing, Mr Lim Kim Choon said: "The partnership between the RSAF and CAAS in Air Traffic Controller scheme showcases the commitment of CAAS in strengthening the professionalism of its Air Traffic Controller workforce. Their vast experience and skills in military air traffic control represents a valuable supply of highly-trained resource to meet CAAS' manpower needs. CAAS welcomes the scheme and look forward to our RSAF counterparts joining us as civil Air Traffic Controllers."

Commenting on the MoU signing, Major-General Ng said: "As the RSAF transforms, we recognise that the success of the 3rd Generation RSAF hinges on the high quality and commitment of our people.  As an organisation, we are also committed to developing our people to their fullest potential and to provide them with a meaningful and rewarding career."

The new CAAS-RSAF career transition arrangement for air traffic controllers is one of CAAS' recent initiatives to enhance the Air Traffic Control Officer Service.  Earlier last year, CAAS has also enhanced the competitiveness of its Air Traffic Controller Scheme to retain its staff and to attract more people to take up air traffic controlling as a career.  Under the enhanced scheme, CAAS' Air Traffic Controllers can now look forward to better career development opportunities in both managerial and operational roles, as well as a more attractive salary and allowance package.

The pioneer batch of RSAF Air Traffic Controllers will join CAAS on the new scheme in March this year.

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