Opening Address by Minister for Transport and Minister-In-Charge of Trade Relations, Mr S Iswaran at the Opening of the Airport Operations Simulation Training Centre and Launch of Work-Study Diploma in Customer Experience Management (Aviation)

Dr Yek Tiew Ming, Principal, ITE College East,
Mr Lee Seow Hiang, CEO, Changi Airport Group, and members of the Changi Airport Group,
Mr Leslie Thng, CEO, Scoot,

Ladies and Gentlemen,
   

1.     Good morning to all of you.  I am delighted to be here today for the official opening of the Airport Operations Simulation Training Centre, and the launch of the Work-Study Diploma in Customer Experience Management in Aviation. It is always a pleasure to visit our ITE campuses and I want to thank the faculty and students for continuing to do us proud, both in terms of what we are achieving here in Singapore, and also the reputation we have established internationally.

Aviation as a Major Contributor to Singapore’s Economy

2.     The impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry has been severe, but we have turned the corner. Passenger traffic at Changi has already reached 80% of pre-COVID levels this year, and should return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024 or earlier. 

3.     Over the next two decades, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) anticipates that the Asia Pacific will be the fastest growing region for air travel.  Passenger traffic is expected to grow by 4.5% each year till 2040; that translates to about 2.5 billion additional passenger journeys.

4.     Against this backdrop, we in Singapore will continue to invest in growing the Singapore Air Hub. Our Air Hub is a key pillar of Singapore’s economy, supporting many industries and creating good jobs for Singaporeans. It keeps us connected to the world and plays an important role in sustaining Singapore’s supply chains. 

5.     I had announced earlier that we are restarting work on Changi Airport Terminal 5. This design will be informed by our pandemic experience, and the terminal is expected to be operational by the mid-2030s. This will provide the Singapore Air Hub with the capacity to accommodate the anticipated growth in passenger traffic. But capacity is only one factor that contributes to the building of a successful Air Hub. 

Capabilities for a Future-ready Aviation Sector

6.     The past two years have reinforced the importance of mastery of the complexity of airport operations. To scale up operations quickly, many aspects had to be coordinated and synchronised – from getting the planes to the stands on time, to ensuring the smooth flow of passengers through the transit areas, and getting bags on the belt in good time.  All of these while staying vigilant and keeping in place contingencies for the emergence of new variants and also other risks. It was no mean feat, and I’m proud of the way that our entire Changi aviation community responded and rose to the challenge.    

7.     As we build for the future, the workforce at Changi must be equipped with the skillsets to manage more complex operations, adapt to new processes as well as harness innovative technologies like autonomous and digital solutions, as well as initiatives to enhance sustainability.

8.     Hence, we must continue to recruit, train and maintain a good flow of new talent into the aviation sector, equipped with the relevant skills through the use of the latest teaching tools. The Airport Operations Simulation Training Centre introduced today is an important example.

Preparing for an Aviation Career

9.     The new simulation training centre will greatly enhance the learning experience, by using training tools to impart technical and practical skills alongside theoretical concepts.  For example, topics like cargo and baggage management would be taught with the help of a cross-section of a Boeing 787 fuselage. Students will also become familiar with the airside vehicles and airport operations using a 3D projection mapping of Changi Airport, creating a practical learning environment which eases the learning curve for students.

10.    One particular group of students that would benefit from this state-of-the-art facility would be those pursuing the new Work-Study Diploma in Customer Experience Management, specialising in aviation.  Put together by ITE and key aviation industry players, including CAG, SATS and dnata, this Work-Study Diploma offers students a unique two-and-a-half-year apprenticeship-based programme to learn on-the-job at one of the aviation companies, as well as in the ITE campus.

11.    In a similar vein, the two MOUs that are being signed today by the Institute with two key players in the aviation sector, namely CAG and Scoot, also exemplify the collaborative spirit of the industry. Through these MOUs, students will gain access to internships and training opportunities to learn about the operations of the airport, including passenger service and airport management. 

Conclusion

12.    To conclude, I would encourage our students to consider a career in aviation.  This is a sector with good career prospects at world class companies that Singaporeans are proud of.  For example, earlier this year, Changi Airport was named the world’s best airport by Skytrax for the 12th time. Singapore Airlines has consistently ranked among the world’s best airlines, and was named as the world’s best airline at the 49th Annual Air Transport World Airline Industry Achievement Awards earlier this year.

13.    The aviation sector is at the heart of Singapore’s economy with exciting opportunities in the coming decades. Emerging technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence and alternative fuel sources are reshaping the aviation industry.  The T5 project will create many opportunities for those seeking a career in the aviation sector.  As we reimagine and reshape the industry for the future, I invite you to come on board as we take the Singapore Air Hub to greater heights. Thank you for inviting me here.