SAA Inks MOU with CANSO to Build Collaboration in Aviation Training

The Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA), a training arm of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) on 27 April 2009, to collaborate in promoting learning and human capital development in air traffic management and air navigation services.

The MOU was signed by Mr Goh Chin Ee, Director of SAA, and Mr Alexander ter Kuile, Secretary General of CANSO.  The signing was witnessed by Mr Lim Kim Choon, CAAS Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr Ashley Smout, CANSO Chairman.  The signing ceremony was held in conjunction with the 4th CANSO Asia Pacific Air Navigation Service Providers Conference, hosted by CAAS at SAA on 27 - 28 April 2009, in the presence of more than 120 conference delegates.

The MOU provides an avenue for the development of joint training programmes, the sharing and exchange of expertise and speakers by SAA and CANSO, and collaboration in research and studies.

On the MOU signing, Mr Lim Kim Choon said, "This MOU further strengthens the partnership between CAAS and CANSO, which represents the interests of air navigation services providers worldwide.  SAA's collaboration with CANSO in joint programmes and activities would complement and add to SAA's existing breadth of programmes and training courses in air traffic services at both operational and management levels.  This would advance human capital development in air navigation service capability-building in the Asia Pacific and worldwide."

Mr Alexander ter Kuile said, "CANSO strongly welcomes this MOU with SAA, as we see it as the first step in CANSO's IMAGINE 2010 commitment to developing air traffic management training capabilities to support air traffic management performance worldwide. CANSO's Imagine 2010 programme is all about helping to raise global air traffic management performance across key areas such as safety, environment, and business transformation. Strong regional programmes and partnerships are another key element in the Imagine 2010 strategy, and that is why the work with the SAA is such an important step for us."

Note to Editors:
About SAA: Founded in 1958, the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA) is the training arm of CAAS, a CANSO member. Over the past 50 years, SAA has established itself as a renowned centre of learning in aviation and is continuously introducing new programmes to address the needs of aviation professionals at all stages of their careers.  In 2000, SAA was conferred the prestigious Edward Warner award by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for its eminent contribution as a centre of excellence in international civil aviation training. To date, SAA has trained almost 50,000 participants from 190 countries.  SAA is made up of four specialised schools - School of Aviation Management, School of Civil Aviation Safety and Security, School of Air Traffic Services and School of Airport Emergency Services. 

About CANSO: CANSO is the global voice of the companies that provide air traffic control, and represents the interests of Air Navigation Services Providers worldwide. CANSO members are responsible for supporting over 80% of world air traffic, and through its work groups, CANSO members share information and develop new policies, with the ultimate aim of improving air navigation services on the ground and in the air. CANSO also represents its members' views in major regulatory and industry forums, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), where CANSO has official Observer status.

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