news & notes

Travellers will now have greater incentive to visit Singapore and experience its best attractions through the value-packed holiday deals offered by Singapore Airlines (SIA) and SilkAir, in partnership with Changi Airport Group (CAG). SIA and SilkAir customers can enjoy value-for-money hotel rates with Singapore Stopover packages, which go as low as S$60, bundled with complimentary airport and hotel transfers, unlimited rides on the SIA Hop-on Bus and complimentary admission to many of Singapore’s major attractions.

“We hope that travellers will take up this fabulous package so that they will have a chance to sample Singapore’s newest tourist attractions, as well as enjoy the premium experience that Changi Airport, Singapore Airlines and Silkair offer,” said Lim Ching Kiat, Senior Vice-President for Market Development, CAG.

The rates are valid for Singapore Stopover Holiday bookings to 28 March 2012 and travel must be completed by 31 March 2012. Find out more about the Singapore Stopover Holiday packages now!

The Singapore Airworthiness Requirements Part 21 (SAR-21) establishes standards for certification of products and articles and of design and production organisations. To align industry players on developments and share innovative possibilities for certification, a workshop on SAR-21 was held at the Singapore Aviation Academy on 7 October as part of the CAAS Safety Series.

Workshop presentations covered key requirements of SAR-21 and took participants through the most recent alterations to the legislation, including important changes to Type Certificates. They were also given an overview of aerospace design and production activities in Singapore, highlighting interesting trends, such as an increase in the number of SAR organisations by an average of 27.9 per cent since 2006. In addition, the findings of recent audits were also shared with the participants. While approval holders generally complied with the regulations, it was highlighted that organisations need to address areas of weakness and strengthen the quality and design/production control system.

In line with the aim of the CAAS Safety Series to engage stakeholders to promote a strong safety culture, the SAR-21 workshop presented a valuable communication channel between CAAS and the industry, with the speakers addressing various queries and potential issues from the audience to round off the event.

In 2010, Singapore's aerospace industry achieved an output of $7.2 billion and employed over 18,000 professionals and skilled workers. The setting up of Seletar Aerospace Park by 2018 is expected to contribute $3.3 billion annually in value-add and create 10,000 new aerospace-related jobs.

As the aviation market here continues to grow, the need for more skilled professionals is augmented by the Memorandum of Understanding between ST Aerospace and SIM University (UniSIM) signed on 21 October. Both entities will be cooperating in the education and development of manpower to meet the burgeoning needs of Singapore’s aerospace industry over the next ten years. This initiative is an extension of their existing collaboration, first established in March 2008.

ST Aerospace will take on an advisory role by contributing industry expertise to UniSIM’s aerospace degree programmes, including the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Aerospace Systems, Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance and Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration. ST Aerospace will also offer students enrolled in these programmes the opportunities to gain practical experience and familiarisation at its facility. In addition, both groups will collaborate in areas of scholarships, research, knowledge sharing and will undertake associate teaching activities at each other’s facilities.

Tiger Airways Holdings Limited (Tiger Airways) announced on 23 September that it signed a share subscription agreement and finalised other commercial agreements in relation to its proposed purchase of a 33 per cent stake in Indonesia’s PT Mandala Airlines (Mandala). Tiger Airways’ investment in the Indonesian carrier will be held through Roar Aviation Pte Ltd, its wholly-owned Singapore subsidiary.

Mandala is currently undergoing a financial restructuring process in accordance with Indonesian laws. The Saratoga group will be the largest shareholder in the restructured Mandala group with a 51 per cent stake, while previous Mandala shareholders and creditors will hold the remaining 16 per cent.

The next stage of the process for completion of the proposed investment involves satisfying conditions precedent, which includes the parties ratifying certain corporate actions and obtaining regulatory approvals, among others. Completion is scheduled to take approximately 90 days, after which flight operations are expected to commence.

The restructured Mandala plans to adopt the Tiger Airways business model by offering low-fare air transport to both international and domestic Indonesian destinations within a five-hour flying radius. Like other airlines in the Tiger Airways Group, Mandala will also be adding the Airbus 320 aircraft to its fleet.

ST Aerospace Academy (STAA) has successfully completed Singapore’s first Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) programme for Tiger Airways. The MPL programme’s six pilots are currently employed by Tiger Airways and received their licence from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore in early October. They are expected to fly the Airbus A320 as First Officers.

The MPL programme, which began in December 2009, aims to nurture a solid squadron of licensed pilots to meet future manpower and flight demands by pushing the envelope in the field of commercial pilot training. It comprises six months of ground school and 13 months of flying actual aircraft over four phases. It also utilises the latest teaching methodologies and simulation technologies and coaches students in a multi-crew cooperation environment much earlier in the training than traditional pilot training programmes.

To better meet the increasing demand for its programmes, STAA also announced an investment of $15 million over six months to expand operations in Victoria, Australia. The academy recently added a new facility at the perimeter of Ballarat Airport, comprising 1,300 square metres of administrative space and 7,700 square metres of classroom facilities. Other expansion projects include a new Flight Operations Centre (FOC), which is expected to be ready by end-2011, and adding a new simulator and new aircraft to its fleet to enhance training. The FOC will feature an aircraft apron that can accommodate a fleet of up to 40 aircraft. STAA’s current facility is about 200 metres from the new location and can accommodate up to 20 aircraft.

STAA has also acquired an Airbus A320 flight simulator, which will be housed in the centre upon delivery in July 2012. It further obtained an all-glass cockpit fleet comprising 12 single-engine Cessna 172S and four new multi-engine Piper PA44 Seminole aircraft. This will enable cadet pilots to get fully accustomed to an all-glass environment and better prepare them for future roles in the cockpits of modern commercial aircraft.

As part of the Indian low-cost carrier (LCC) IndiGo’s strategy to expand its operations to Singapore and tap into the fast-growing Singapore-India market, the airline recently launched flights between Singapore and Delhi in September and is planning to open up many more routes.

IndiGo began serving Changi Airport with Mumbai-Singapore services from 10 October, while Chennai and Kolkata services are expected to commence within the next few months. This will be followed by additional daily flights on the Delhi and Mumbai routes early next year. Flights to Singapore from Bangalore and Hyderabad are also being considered.

According to Aditya Ghosh, President of IndiGo, the airline sees great potential in the Singapore market due to the region’s growing airline markets, as well as the strong ethnic and economic ties between Singapore and India.

Singapore’s air cargo and logistics supply chain community now has an added source of informational support in the form of the e-freight@Singapore webpage. This multi-agency initiative, which also involves the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, aims to integrate air cargo and logistics agencies through the adoption of paperless freight documentation, a progressive system that is also being implemented by other air cargo and supply chain communities around the world.

e-freight@Singapore facilitates e-freight goals in replacing the use of paper with electronic messages to reduce costs and improve transit times, accuracy and industry competitiveness. e-freight@Singapore also seeks to capture data entered at source (“data@source”) and transmit the data in an interconnected supply chain for re-use (data re-use) along the supply chain. This enhances data accuracy by reducing repeated manual data entry, boosting supply chain visibility and helping raise productivity in the sector.

The webpage also features links to e-freight resources, including information on e-freight implementation, a comprehensive lineup of air cargo and logistics events and seminars and useful contact information. Future enhancements to the webpage include a Cost-Benefit Analysis model, created by The Logistics Institute-Asia Pacific, accompanied by its user guide, as well as an e-freight@Singapore reference handbook.

Find out more about the e-freight@Singapore initiative

More than 11,000 aviation enthusiasts, students, industry professionals and members of the public flocked to D’Marquee at Downtown East for the Aviation Open House 2011 from 3 to 5 November. Organised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, the event featured exhibits and career talks by 45 world-class aviation companies, such as ST Aerospace, Pratt and Whitney and Rolls-Royce, as well as institutes of higher learning and other private institutions such as the Air Transport Training College, Massey University School of Aviation and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Asia.

Visitors also experienced the buzz of aviation through an exhibition, career talks, site visits, showcases, interactive games, as well as simulators, kite-flying and aeromodelling demonstrations. To commemorate the 100th year of aviation in Singapore, the event also featured a special Aviation Centennial Showcase highlighting Singapore’s achievements in the sector over the past century and the vital role that aviation plays in our economy today.

The Aviation Open House 2011, organized by CAAS, is held at D’Marquee, Downtown East from 3 to 5 November 2011.

Josephine Teo, Minister of State for Finance and Transport, and Yap Ong Heng, Director-General, CAAS launches Aviation Open House 2011.

Josephine Teo and Yap Ong Heng with the Youth Aviation Ambassadors.

Josephine Teo tries out the flight simulator at D’Tent.

Josephine Teo at the Singapore Polytechnic booth.

Students milling about the exhibition ground at the Aviation Open House 2011.

Win some prizes at the game booths!

Listen to the experts from the industry share about their personal experiences in building a successful career in aviation at the various career talks.

Students on a site visit to Eurocopter South East Asia.

Catch a photo opportunity with the Singapore Airshow mascot, Captain Leo.

Take part in the drone flying challenge at the main stage.

The Singapore Aviation Centennial exhibition at the Aviation Open House. Learning about the various achievements of our aviation history through an interactive iPad display and centennial tribute videos. The winning entries of the Aviation Inspirations photography competition were also on display.

The next Aviation Open House will be held in 2013. Follow the latest developments on our Facebook page!

Singapore's low-cost carrier Tiger Airways announced on 26 September that it has reached a milestone 20 aircraft with the addition of two new Airbus planes – an A320 and an A232. This is in line with Tiger Airways Group’s overall plans to grow its fleet to 68 aircraft by 2015.

The additional aircraft will allow the airline to fly more passengers with greater frequency to Asia’s top destinations. These include Bangkok (from 28 to 31 times a week), Ho Chi Minh (from 21 to 28 times a week), Tiruchirapalli (from seven to 11 times a week), Guangzhou and Taipei (both from seven to 10 times a week). With the expanded fleet, Tiger Airways will also be able to venture into new routes such as to Bangalore, Cebu and Davao.

“These additional aircraft will fuel the expansion of our business in Singapore. We have flown over 21 million passengers since our inaugural flight in September 2004 and we are now one of the top three airlines by passenger numbers from Changi Airport. With these aircraft, we are well-placed to grow these volumes even further,” said Stewart Adams, Managing Director, Tiger Airways Singapore.

The Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) (AAIS) launched its aerospace productivity drive at the 2011 Singapore AeroIndustry Annual (AIAM 2011) meeting on 22 September, also the association’s ninth annual general meeting. Held at the Singapore Aviation Academy, the event was graced by guest-of-honour, Lui Tuck Yew, Minister of Transport and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs.

AIAM 2011, themed “AeroProductivity – it’s everyone’s business”, kick-started the AAIS’ drive for increased productivity this coming work year. The conference segment focused on productivity in areas such as human capital, technology adoption, processes, capabilities upgrading and an AeroProductivity showcase. The conference also touched on manpower gaps and industry needs, which were identified by initiatives rolled out in the association’s 2010 work year. This led AAIS to affirm the need for companies to enhance manpower capabilities to increase productivity and maintain Singapore’s sustainability as an aerospace hub.

Three Memorandums of Understanding were also signed at the event. These include:

• Aerospace Supplier eXchange 2013 Partnership – AAIS and Ib Consultancy, which will see the development of the Military Defence Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), Aviation Security and Training & Simulation segments of the AeroSpace eXchange 2013 Conference and Exhibition.
• Training collaboration – AAIS and IMR Test Labs, which will see the promotion of technical training programmes that benefits the local aerospace industry.
• AeroCloud collaborations between AAIS, Hewlett-Packard Singapore, The European and Aeronautic Defence and Space Company Works Innovation Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of High Performance Computing and Ramco Systems, which will see further discussions on the development of cloud solutions for the Aerospace MRO and Manufacturing industries within Singapore.

Changi Airport is on track to set another record. The world’s seventh busiest international airport is on its way to surpassing its annual passenger traffic record, bringing it closer to 50 million passenger movements by 2013.

For the year ending August 2011, Changi Airport registered 45.1 million passenger movements, which is up 10.1 per cent from the previous corresponding period. This comes just eight months after it handled a record 42 million passengers in 2010, crossing the 40-million mark for the first time.

This growth has been attributed to increasing demand for air travel in Asia and a greater number of visitors travelling to Singapore. As a regional hub, Changi Airport directly benefits from the growing markets. Visitor numbers to Singapore are up nearly 16 per cent for the 12 months ending in July 2011, buoyed by the opening of Singapore’s integrated resorts, the success of major events such as the Formula 1 Night Race and its role as an international Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibitions centre.

Russian carrier Vladivostok Air started flying twice weekly between Singapore and Vladivostok via Hong Kong on 21 October. The route to and from Vladivostok, in the Russian Far East, is the ninth new city link for Changi this year and a new holiday destination for holidaymakers.

The addition of this city link is a positive development, signalling a strengthening of trade and tourism ties between Singapore and Russia, as well as the greater Primorsky Krai region, the largest economy in the Russian Far East. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $5.2 billion in 2010 since the launch of the Russia-Singapore Business Forum in 2006. Passenger traffic between Singapore and Russia also reached an all-time high in 2010. During the first eight months of this year, air traffic movement and visitor arrivals from Russian increased by further 34 per cent and five per cent respectively compared to the same period last year.

With Singapore’s attractive tourism activities and excellent connectivity to Southeast Asia, it serves as a convenient transit destination for Russian travellers to package a ‘city-plus-beach’ holiday experience by pairing the city-state with renowned nearby resort destinations like Bali and Phuket. Yam Kum Weng, Executive Vice President for Air Hub Development, Changi Airport Group, said, “Vladivostok Air’s entry into the Singapore market is timely to serve the growing demand of Russian travellers wanting to explore Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia. We look forward to working closely with the airline to sustain and grow this important link between Russia and Singapore.”

The International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations’ 28th Asia Pacific Regional Meeting, held in Singapore from 2 to 4 November, was themed “Towards Greener Skies: Air Traffic Control’s Role in Eco-Friendly Aviation” this year.

The meeting brought together over 120 air traffic controllers from more than 16 countries around the Asia-Pacific region, along with representatives from airlines, airports, regulatory bodies, air navigation service providers and air traffic service providers to ensure a fruitful outcome through sharing of views, ideas and experiences. The aviation experts gathered to discuss a variety of topics such as continuous descent, facilitation of shorter flight routes and reduction of aircraft noise and air pollution. Speakers also shared the use of air traffic management concepts and technologies for reduction of carbon footprint.

On 3 November, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) launched two new initiatives – the Aviation Horizons Scholarship and Aviation Youth Outreach Seed Fund – to build and sustain a quality workforce for Singapore’s growing aviation industry. The initiatives are part of the $9 million Aviation Manpower Programme unveiled in 2010, aimed at attracting, developing and retaining talent and manpower for the aviation industry.

Josephine Teo, Minister of State for Finance and Transport, delivers the opening speech and announces the launch of the Aviation Horizons Scholarship and Aviation Youth Outreach Seed Fund.

Formally launching the schemes at the Aviation Open House, Josephine Teo, Minister of State for Finance and Transport, noted the need to ignite passion for aviation among the youth in Singapore through such initiatives. This is to continually build a strong core of aviation specialists and professionals and help Singapore stay ahead of the competition.

The Aviation Horizons Scholarship aims to support promising Institute of Technical Education and polytechnic graduates in attaining higher qualifications while they gain work experience in the aviation sector. It will also enable participating aviation companies to attract and develop talent to meet their human resource needs. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work for a participating company while pursuing a part-time degree or diploma course, jointly sponsored by CAAS and the company.

Aviation Youth Outreach Seed Fund

Meanwhile, the Aviation Youth Outreach Seed Fund initiative aims to raise youth interest in aviation by expanding the range of aviation outreach activities and engagement platforms. The seed funds will support aviation-themed activities and programmes organized by aviation companies, associations, student groups and Institutes of Higher Learning, providing youths opportunities to engage with the industry and peers and nurture their passion for aviation.

Josephine Teo and Yap Ong Heng, Director-General, CAAS, with the Youth Aviation Ambassadors.

CAAS is also kick-starting the scheme with the Youth Aviation Ambassadors (YAA) programme, which nurtures youths passionate about aviation to inspire their peers. The first batch of YAAs received certificates of appointment for a one-year term at the Aviation Open House’s opening ceremony. Their involvement in various aviation-related activities will allow them to network with CAAS and industry leaders and develop a deeper appreciation of the industry.

Find out more about the Aviation Horizons Scholarship and Aviation Youth Outreach Seed Fund !

As part of the Singapore Aviation Centennial Celebrations, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) organised a photography competition themed “Aviation Inspirations” to showcase the vibrant aviation industry and its impact on people’s lives. Over 250 outstanding entries were submitted between August and September and the winning images effectively captured the essence of aviation.

In the open category, participants were invited to submit images that best illustrate the multi-faceted aviation industry. Ng Wei Chean’s winning photograph, titled “Reflections of Aviation” (above), is a collage depicting a variety of interesting activities at Changi Airport.

For the special category, the photograph titled “Fly Me To My Dreams” (above) was declared the winning entry. Taken by Jervis Mun Joon Hooe, the photograph was accompanied by the caption, “Aviation has been with us for more than a century. Yet it still captures so many hearts and imagination. Flight brings us to our dreams.”

The winners of the 'Aviation Inspirations' photography competition. L to R: Tan Choon Lai, David Ng, Ng Wei Chean, Yap Ong Heng (Director-General of CAAS), Taurus Yeo, Jervis Mun (Eileen Tan was unable to attend.)

The winners were presented with their prizes on 4 November at the Aviation Open House 2011. Top prizes included cash, as well as Singapore Airlines return economy class tickets to a variety of exciting destinations, such as Athens, Bali, Sao Paulo, Melbourne, Ho Chi Minh and Maldives.

All winning entries may be viewed at the Singapore Aviation Centennial website.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) held its third International Cooperation Forum (ICF) from 15 to 17 November at the Singapore Aviation Academy, hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). The conference brought together states and aviation organisations that apply European aviation safety standards in their national or regional jurisdictions, providing a platform for them to share experiences and best practices, as well as discuss developments in aviation safety.

Patrick Goudou, Executive Director, EASA, expressed confidence in greater partnerships between the participating states and aviation organisations through the third edition of the ICF. Stressing the importance of ensuring safety amid the continued growth of aviation, Yap Ong Heng, Director-General, CAAS, said, “This Forum provides a useful platform for all the partners to work together towards this goal. It is particularly opportune that the International Cooperation Forum is being held in the Asia Pacific for the first time, given the rapid development of aviation in the region.”

The e-freight collaboration between Amsterdam Airport Schipol, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Changi Airport Group (CAG), was taken a notch higher in November, as Schipol Cargo hosted a three-day study programme for 18 delegates from Singapore. This came a year after the three parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding to use and further develop paperless documentation for air cargo between Amsterdam Airport Schipol and Changi Airport.

During the programme, CAAS, CAG, Dutch Customs, Air Cargo Netherlands and Amsterdam Connecting Trade exchanged views on ways to accelerate the take-up and reaping the benefits of e-freight. The delegates also visited various locations around Schipol Airport to see e-freight in action.

Commenting on Schipol’s experiences with paperless airfreight handling, Saskia van Pelt, Director-Business Development, Schipol Cargo, said, “Shipments via e-freight through Schipol have almost quadrupled in a year, but we are still talking 10 per cent of total cargo traffic on e-freight ready trade lanes. We have made solid progress, but we still have a long way to go.”

On 24 November, Changi Airport welcomed Lao Airlines from Vientiane, which is Changi’s 11th new city link for 2011. For the new service, Lao Airlines will operate its brand-new A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration, with a total of 142 seats. With a thrice-weekly service between Singapore and Vientiane, Changi Airport is now connected via direct flights to all nine of Singapore’s ASEAN neighbours.

This direct airline service is credited to strong bilateral ties between the two countries. Singapore is one of Laos’ top 10 foreign investors, with investments in a variety of sectors from hospitality to manufacturing. Over the past five years, the number of travellers between Singapore and Laos has also seen steady growth. The establishment of Lao Airlines in Changi Airport is expected to further stimulate both business and leisure travel between the two countries.

In a show of support and commitment to help the less fortunate, close to 3,000 runners from 170 aviation organisations participated in Aviation Run 2011 held at the Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC) on 12 November. This fun run, organised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), also saw the launch of Aviation Community Cares, an overarching platform that enables the aviation community to make a positive impact on society and the environment through concerted fundraising and community activities.

“It is significant that Aviation Community Cares has been launched in the year that Singapore celebrates one hundred years of aviation. Over this time, aviation has played a key role in Singapore’s economic as well as social development. As the aviation community works together to develop Singapore aviation further, it is also committed to caring for the less fortunate and the environment. This can be clearly seen from the enthusiastic support from the aviation community for Aviation Run 2011,” said Yap Ong Heng, Director-General, CAAS. Aviation Run 2011 raised $228,888 for 70 charities affiliated to the Community Chest with the generous support and contributions from aviation partners.

Echoing these shared sentiments, Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer, Changi Airport Group (CAG), said, “CAG is keenly committed to playing its part as a caring corporate citizen, enhancing the lives of those in the community that we serve. We are privileged to support Aviation Community Cares and participate in Aviation Run 2011 to help the less fortunate and, at the same time, affirm our commitment in making a positive and sustainable impact on society.”

To raise awareness on climate change and green solutions, the National Environment Agency and several “green” companies like Go Green Holdings and evHUB showcased and promoted their green innovations at the event. The showcase included environment-friendly transport equipment like the Segway personal transporter and lifestyle electrical vehicles such as Yike Bike and Tesla. ComfortDelGro also provided shuttle services from the Singapore Expo MRT station to the CEC using their Euro “V” emission standard bus that boasts low fuel consumption and emissions.

(left to right) Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Josephine Teo, Minister of State for Finance and Transport, participating in the mass warm-up session at Aviation Run 2011.

(left to right) Lee Hsien Yang, Chairman, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Josephine Teo, Minister of State for Finance and Transport, Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Yap Ong Heng, Director-General, CAAS, flagging off participants at Aviation Run 2011.

(left to right) Josephine Teo, Minister of State for Finance and Transport, trying out the Yike Bike at the green innovation showcase at the Aviation Run 2011, with Minister Lui looking on. The bike is the world’s lightest foldable compact electric bike, named by "Time Magazine" as one of the top inventions of 2009.

Lee Hsien Yang, Chairman, CAAS, presenting the cheque to Eric Ang, Vice Chairman of Community Chest.

AVIATION COMMUNITY CARES
LIST OF AVIATION PARTNERS

Special Partners
Changi Airport Group
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore

Major Partners
Nordam Singapore Pte Ltd
SIA Engineering Company
Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd

Special Partners
Aircraft Interiors (S) Pte Ltd
Changi Airport Fuel Hydraft Installation Pte Ltd
Changi Airports International
Changi Airport Recreation Club
Comsoft Asia Pacific Office Pte Ltd
Dnata Singapore Pte Ltd
Eaton Industries Pte Ltd
Focus Network Agencies (S) Pte Ltd
Goodrich Aerostructures Services Center –Asia
Han's (F&B) Pte Ltd
Hitech Heat Treatment Services Pte Ltd
International Air Transport Association
JTC Corporation
MAJ Aviation Pte Ltd
National Healthcare Group Pte Ltd
NCS Group
Oshkosh Corporation
Pratt & Whitney Canada (SEA) Pte Ltd
Raffles Medical Group
SATS Ltd
Singapore Aero Engine Services Pte Ltd
ST-Airport Services Pte Ltd
ST Medical Services Pte Ltd
TNT Express Worldwide (S) Pte Ltd
Zodiac Services Asia Pte Ltd

More than 300 international aviation safety experts and industry professionals gathered in Singapore from 1 to 3 November for the 64th Annual International Air Safety Seminar (IASS), hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). The conference, which is annually organised by the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF), gives the industry an opportunity to meet and discuss pressing issues and share information in a bid to maintain the highest level of global aviation safety.

In his opening address, Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, highlighted the importance of cooperation to chart new approaches to uphold aviation safety standards, especially in light of rising air travel demand.

During the three-day seminar, aviation safety experts presented studies and led panel discussions on challenging and emerging topics across different aspects of aviation safety. Captain Richard de Crespigny of Qantas Airways recounted his personal experience during the QF32 incident in November 2010 and shared the valuable lessons gleaned from the incident. Rounding off the conference was the Leaders Forum – a panel discussion led by William R. Voss, FSF President and CEO, which featured senior management of aviation authorities and airlines, who shared their views on topical safety issues and challenges.

Recognising the challenges in aviation security, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore in December 2010 to jointly develop an Aviation Security Leadership and Management Seminar to meet the needs for advanced training and development in the area of aviation security. This is designed to equip leaders and senior management of the civil aviation authorities and industry with the strategic knowledge and insights to meet security challenges and priorities in today’s aviation environment.

The Inaugural ICAO-Singapore Aviation Security Leadership and Management Seminar was held at the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA) from 28 to 30 November. Delegates comprising Director-Generals and CEOs from eight countries – Congo, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu – attended the Seminar.

As part of the Seminar, the delegates also visited the Certis Cisco Academy where they were briefed on the key roles and functions of the academy and shown new technologies used in the provision of aviation security training in Singapore. In addition, a Welcome Lunch hosted by Yap Eng Heng, Director-General, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore on the first day of the seminar was held at the Pine Valley Restaurant, Laguna National Golf & Country Club.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) customers can now fly to the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa through a codeshare agreement with Ethiopian Airlines, a future Star Alliance partner. Effective 1 November, the agreement offers travellers a wider choice of services between Asia and Africa.

Under the codeshare agreement, the two carriers jointly provide daily flight services between Singapore and Addis Ababa via Dubai, and vice versa. SIA has added its ‘SQ’ code to Ethiopian-operated flights between Dubai and Addis Ababa, while the ‘ET’ code of Ethiopian Airlines has been added to seven SIA-operated flights per week between Singapore and Dubai.

When Ethiopian Airlines successfully becomes a member of Star Alliance, SIA KrisFlyer members will be able to accrue frequent flyer miles when travelling on the Ethiopian carrier’s flights.

For flight schedules, visit Singapore Airlines.

On 1 December, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Virgin Australia crossed the final hurdle for their new network alliance when the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission gave its official stamp of approval for the partnership, following an earlier approval by the Competition Commission of Singapore.

The landmark alliance will link SIA’s global network to Virgin Australia’s well-established routes in Australia and the Pacific. The two carriers will offer codeshare flights, opening up 30 more destinations for SIA customers and 70 more for Virgin Australia. They will also coordinate their flight schedules so passengers can enjoy more seamless connections, in addition to access to more airport lounges and greater opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles.

Welcoming the integrated alliance, Subhas Menon, Regional Vice-President South West Pacific, Singapore Airlines, said, “Our partnership with Virgin Australia will enable us to deliver a best-in-class travel experience across Australia.”

Christmas came early at Changi Airport on 2 December when giant topiaries of iconic global landmarks went on display at Terminals 2 and 3. Showcasing Changi Airport’s connectivity to the world, these nine-metre tall topiaries – sculpted trees or shrubs – take delighted visitors on a whirlwind trip around the world, from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Sydney Opera House and Beijing’s Temple of Heaven.

Eiffel Tower Topiary at T3 Transit Lounge - Towering at nine metres tall, the elegant Eiffel Tower topiary gives visitors a taste of the splendour of Paris' real grand dame.

Sydney Opera House at T2 Transit Lounge - The Sydney Opera House topiary, complete with the classic sculptural roof shells, is a charming reproduction of the greatest architectural masterpiece from Down Under.

Temple of Heaven at T2 Departure Hall - The Temple of Heaven, the holiest of Beijing's ancient imperial temples where emperors used to pray, has been brought to life in this gorgeous topiary structure.

The biggest topiary on display is of Singapore’s very own Merlion. Located at the Terminal 3 Departure Hall, the Merlion topiary is accompanied by miniature versions of the Statue of Liberty, the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids of Egypt and other famous landmarks to complete the visitors’ travel map.

Merlion Topiary at T3 Departure Hall - Standing at eight metres tall, the grand Merlion topiary, beautifully decorated with colourful petals and lined with bright lights, is a magnificent sight, befitting its status as Singapore's most iconic symbol.

Miniature World Landmarks at T3 Departure Hall - At the Merlion topiary site, an interesting display of quaint miniature iconic world landmarks complete viewers' travel road map around the world.

Featuring decorative lights weaved into the topiaries, Changi Airport’s special Christmas displays provide a memorable experience and great photo opportunities for locals and tourists alike!