Singapore Launches Tripartite Framework to Strengthen Mental Health and Wellness Support for Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers

           Singapore’s civil aviation authority, airlines and unions have launched a new tripartite framework to strengthen mental health and wellness support for pilots and air traffic controllers in Singapore. Under this framework, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Jetstar Asia Airways, Air Line Pilots Association Singapore, Scoot Staff Union and Amalgamated Union of Public Employees will work together to promote good mental health practices at work, provide a comprehensive mental health and wellness support structure for the pilot and air traffic controller communities and build a trusted and safe environment to enable the safe return to duty.

2        The tripartite Mental Health and Wellness Support Framework was signed on 24 March 2023 by Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS, together with six airline and union representatives at the side-lines of the Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety held at the Sands Convention Centre. The six representatives were Mr Mak Swee Wah, Executive Vice President, Singapore Airlines; Mr Ng Chee Keong, Chief Operating Officer, Scoot Pte Ltd; Mr Barathan Pasupathi, Chief Executive Officer, Jetstar Asia Airways; Captain Subramaniam R, President, Air Line Pilots Association Singapore; Captain Vivek Motiram Hiranandani, President, Scoot Staff Union; and Mr Jefry Bin Mohamad, President, Amalgamated Union of Public Employees.

3        The tripartite Mental Health and Wellness Support Framework comprises four key pillars:

           i         Education

This involves the active promotion of mental health awareness and education to pilots and air traffic controllers, as well as to a wider support community comprising care providers, volunteers, management, human resource, and regulatory personnel. Educational efforts will be directed towards overcoming stigmatisation and removing barriers for individuals to seek help when needed.

          ii         Peer Support

The peer support system is a vital component in any mental health and wellness support structure. Efforts will be directed towards strengthening the peer support networks amongst the pilot and air traffic controller communities, by addressing their needs and providing training to volunteers and leaders to build competencies in providing peer support whenever needed.

          iii        Intervention

An effective mental health support system requires multiple touchpoints and channels for affected individuals to access help and receive timely intervention in a trust-based environment.  Efforts to build trust and reinforce linkages within the mental health support system will be augmented to establish reliable pathways to enhance early identification and timely intervention.

          iv        Collaborative Programmes

Customised, multi-disciplinary treatment programmes that involve stakeholders’ support are essential for pilots and air traffic controllers affected by mental health and wellness issues to regain their fitness to work and contribute. Efforts will be aimed toward continued development, review and improvement of customised, collaborative programmes and return to duty protocols for pilots and air traffic controllers.  

4        The first initiative to be launched under the new framework is CAAS’ Pilot Peer Support Programme Workshop. This three-day workshop will be held from 27 to 29 March 2023 and it aims to equip pilot peer support volunteers, management pilots, airline management staff and union executive committee members with the skillsets and competencies to run and support strong and successful pilot peer support initiatives. CAAS has received strong interest for the workshop. To date, 49 participants have registered for the workshop, well above the initial target of 30 participants.

5        The tripartite collaboration builds on CAAS’ ongoing efforts to strengthen mental health and wellness support to aviation professionals. In September 2018, CAAS and Changi General Hospital signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide customised clinical care such as mental health interventions and implement programmes that provide psychological support, mental resilience, and fatigue risk management. Under this MOU, collaboration agreements will also be signed to develop aviation-related mental health and wellness initiatives and programmes in support of the workforce and stakeholders in the Singapore aviation sector.

6        Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS, said: “COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of mental health and wellness, including for pilots and air traffic control officers which are key vocations in aviation and play an important role in aviation safety. In Singapore, we are adopting a tripartite approach to providing mental health and wellness support which we believe will help build trust and enhance the effectiveness of such initiatives.”  

Annex A – Quotes from airline and union representatives

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