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The Straits Times (Singapore)
Aviation summit to focus on challenges
Industry has to manage growth while ensuring safety
MANAGING the continuing growth of air travel, but without compromising safety and security and inconveniencing passengers, will be a key challenge for the industry.
This observation was made by the director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Mr Yap Ong Heng, at a media briefing yesterday, ahead of a global aviation summit to be held on the sidelines of this month's Singapore Airshow 2012.
He added that even as there are signs of an impending global downturn, the industry's long-term outlook remains strong.
By 2015, total global annual passenger traffic is expected to increase by 700 million to hit 3.5 billion. Airlines are expected to add 25,000 planes to the current 17,000-strong commercial fleet by 2030.
Mr Yap said: 'It is necessary for us to address how we can manage the growth without compromising safety and security, but at the same time ensuring that passengers will have an experience without hassle. And this is not just for what we do on the ground, but also what we do in the air with respect to air traffic management.'
The industry has to look for innovative solutions, 'given that there will be a significant increase' in both passenger and air traffic movements.
The Straits Times reported recently that the CAAS is working on new initiatives to increase runway capacity at Changi Airport.
Last year, total aircraft movements at the airport - arrivals and departures - jumped by 14.5 per cent to 302,000. When there are delays, they usually range from less than 15 minutes to more than half an hour, travellers and pilots have said.
The Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit on Feb 12 and 13 will bring together about 300 aviation pundits and government leaders.
Apart from the summit, organised by the Transport Ministry and CAAS, as well as the International Air Transport Association, the airshow will also feature business forums.
There will be three this time, said Mr Jimmy Lau, managing director of Experia Events, which is organising the airshow.
They will give aviation companies an insight into the Chinese, Indian and South-east Asian markets and provide meeting opportunities for participants, he added.
Singapore Airshow 2012, to be held from Feb 14 to 19 at Changi Exhibition Centre, has attracted about 900 exhibitors, including 59 of the world's top 100 aerospace companies.
About 40,000 trade visitors from more than 50 countries are expected. Mr Lau is confident that deals at this year's event will at least match the US$10 billion (S$12.6 billion) inked during the last show in 2010.
Karamjit Kaur