Singapore Celebrates 100 Years of Aviation

Singapore Aviation Centennial Celebrations to showcase vibrant Singapore aviation hub and industry

Singapore celebrates 100 years of aviation today. Singapore aviation has come a long way since Singapore witnessed its first flight exactly 100 years ago. To commemorate this momentous milestone, the Singapore Aviation Centennial Celebrations (SACC) was launched at tonight's Singapore Aviation Centennial Evening graced by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. Coordinated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), a year-long calendar of exciting and inspiring events and activities will showcase the many achievements of the aviation industry and the myriad of opportunities it offers.

On 16 March 1911, a British Bristol Boxkite biplane took off from the old racecourse (Farrer Park). The Bristol Boxkite piloted by Mr. Joseph Christiaens took flight in Singapore on the evening of 16 March 1911 at around 5.30pm. The aircraft did not arrive here by air, but was carried by sea in crates and then assembled by a squad from the Royal Engineers. An airstrip was prepared at the old racecourse (Farrer Park) for demonstration flights. Over three days, Mr Christiaens performed a variety of flying displays and flew passengers paying $50 each one at a time for ten minutes.

The Bristol Boxkite was first built in 1910 by the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company (later known as the Bristol Aeroplane Company). Powered by a seventy horsepower "Le Rhone" rotary engine, it first flew on 29 July 1910. It went on to become Bristol's first successful production aeroplane.

Taking the opportunity to engage our young talent, CAAS collaborated with Singapore Polytechnic's School of Design to develop a distinctive logo for the SACC. The arrows in the logo represent aviation in its different forms and the connectivity that Singapore has as an aviation hub of choice. The infinity symbol represents the limitless opportunities in aviation. The dark blue colour represents the steadfast spirit of aviation. Red represents Singapore and the passion for aviation, and orange celebrates the bright future of aviation.

An aviation centennial microsite (www.aviationcentennial.sg), where visitors can learn more about Singapore aviation and the SACC, was launched earlier this month. Visitors are invited to share their reflections and pictures of Singapore aviation on this site.

Working in close collaboration with the aviation community, the SACC calendar includes:

• Singapore Aviation Commemorative Stamps, capturing the progress, development and success of Singapore aviation in the past 100 years. The stamps are now on sale at Singapore Post outlets and via their website (www.singpost.com).

• Singapore Takes Flight: A Hundred Years, an exhibition at the Singapore Philatelic Museum that traces the aviation history of Singapore. The exhibition features the museum's permanent collection of picture postcards, postage stamps, covers, and a private collection of 54 civil and military model aircrafts. The exhibition from 16 March to 30 September 2011 will also feature an award-winning philatelic collection on Malayan airmail.

• Republic of Singapore Air Force Open House 2011,to be held at Paya Lebar Air Base and open to the public from 28 to 29 May 2011.The open house will feature the latest aircraft on static display and doing aerial performances, aircraft rides and carnival games.

• Singapore Aviation Commemorative Stamps, capturing the progress, development and success of Singapore aviation in the past 100 years. The stamps are now on sale at Singapore Post outlets and via their website (www.singpost.com).

• Singapore Takes Flight: A Hundred Years, an exhibition at the Singapore Philatelic Museum that traces the aviation history of Singapore. The exhibition features the museum's permanent collection of picture postcards, postage stamps, covers, and a private collection of 54 civil and military model aircrafts. The exhibition from 16 March to 30 September 2011 will also feature an award-winning philatelic collection on Malayan airmail.

• Republic of Singapore Air Force Open House 2011,to be held at Paya Lebar Air Base and open to the public from 28 to 29 May 2011.The open house will feature the latest aircraft on static display and doing aerial performances, aircraft rides and carnival games.

• Singapore Aviation Centennial Lecture Series, bringing renowned individuals from the aviation industry to share on key elements of civil aviation.

• Aviation Centennial Exhibition, bringing visitors on the historical journey of Singapore aviation and to discover the multi-faceted aspects of the Singapore aviation industry.

• Aviation Open House, offering students and other individuals a glimpse of the career opportunities in the aviation industry, including through interactions with industry veterans.

• Aviation Run, bringing the aviation community together once again to raise funds for the less fortunate.

• Singapore Airshow 2012, Asia’s largest and one of the world's top three aerospace and defence exhibitions. The show, providing a marketplace and networking platform, will be the finale of the SACC.

The SACC is supported by strategic partners - Changi Airport Group, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Singapore Airlines, Singapore Airshow, and Singapore Technologies Engineering, and sponsors from the public and private sectors.

More details and updates can be found at www.aviationcentennial.sg.

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.

For media queries, please contact:

Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Email: caas_corporate_communications@caas.gov.sg