CAAS eyes adding 8,000 new aviation jobs by 2025

It is also plans boosting productivity by 3-4% per annum.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) unveiled its plans to create more career opportunities for workers in the aviation sector.

The Air Transport Industry Transformation Map outlines plans to achieve higher headcount in the sector as well as initiatives to support the sector’s growth and competitiveness over the coming years, where annual passenger traffic is expected to increase by 3%.

The map aims to achieve real value-added growth of 16% from 2015 to 2020, boost productivity by 3-4% per annum, and create more than 8,000 new good jobs in the sector by 2025.

CAAS director general Kevin Shum said this plays a key role to make the aviation sector a consistent driver of economic growth.

"The Air Transport ITM is part of the Singapore government’s larger strategy to promote growth and competitiveness for 23 industries across the economy and create good jobs for Singaporeans. As we set our sights on the next phase of the sector’s growth, we are working in close collaboration with tripartite partners - companies and unions - to implement the ITM plans,” he noted.

Here are some initiatives under the Air Transport ITM:

Innovative solutions to improve productivity, such as:

1. Trials on autonomous systems to move passengers, baggage, cargo and other equipment around the airport;
2. Prototypes to automate baggage loading and unloading for narrow-body aircraft, as well as for the build-up of cargo pallets;
3. Real-time location tracking of airport ground support equipment and cargo shipments;
4. Digital apps and smart wearables to enable the real time provision of information and decision making tools to workers, allowing faster response time and optimal decision making;
5. An automated passenger loading bridge (PLB) that can autonomously dock with the aircraft door using precise detection lasers and sensors. Presently being trialled, this is the world’s first automated docking system designed for robust operations under harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain.

State-of-the-art technology to transform air traffic control operations, such as the development and trial of a Smart Tower prototype for remote air traffic control operations. The Smart Tower will provide a completely digitised real-time view of the aerodrome from state-of-the-art digital camera systems. This allows air traffic controllers access to advanced surveillance and information tools to manage live air traffic, which can augment operations. Through the use of technology, the Smart Tower will transform the provision of air traffic control services by enhancing situational awareness and visibility, as well as improving operational efficiency.

A new air transport degree programme which will be developed by CAAS, together with a suitable university and industry partners. This will enable the programme to best suit the industry and students’ developmental needs, and attract the right talent. Substantial opportunities for internships and/or work-study training will also be offered to ensure the students’ seamless transition into employment in the aviation sector.

Funded schemes for retraining and upskilling, such as the SkillsFuture Study Awards for the Air Transport Sector to encourage Singaporeans to develop and deepen career-related specialist skills, and the Professional Conversion Programme (PCP) which helps make it easier for mid-career workers to transit into an aviation job. Under the PCP, mid-career Singaporeans can undergo both classroom and structured on-the-job training, which will prepare them for job opportunities as well as career progression in the aviation sector.