The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has been named the Air Navigation Services Provider (ANSP) of the Year by the Centre of Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA). This new award seeks to recognize the increasingly vital role that air navigation services providers (ANSP) and their governments can play in improving air traffic management, thereby supporting airline operational efficiencies and particularly in reducing emissions.

CAAS provides air navigation services1 in the Singapore Flight Information Region and at civil airports in Singapore including Changi Airport. Handling over 230,000 aircraft movements per annum, CAAS Air Traffic Services serves over 80 airlines operating at Changi Airport. Today, Changi Airport handles more than 4,800 weekly services2, connecting Singapore to more than 190 cities in 60 countries. In June this year, CAAS was named Best ANSP 2009 by International Air Transport Association (IATA) for being committed to providing value for money service and by taking positive steps to control infrastructure costs and related charges.

In recent years, high fuel prices have exerted cost pressures on airlines. CAAS has, in close consultation with airlines / pilots, stepped up efforts to help airlines reduce operational costs by implementing a number of air traffic management initiatives that enable aircraft to fly shorter distances as well as more fuel-efficient flight profiles. Runway throughput at Changi Airport has also been increased with optimal separation of aircraft, resulting in reduced delays to arriving and departing flights. At the regional level, CAAS has  proactively worked with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other States / ANSPs to improve air traffic flow and increase airspace capacity.

“We are honoured to receive this award. It is another endorsement of our continuing efforts in ensuring efficient air traffic flow in Singapore and the region, thus enabling airlines to reduce operational costs and benefiting the environment. Besides initiatives to further improve the efficiency of aircraft movements at Changi Airport, CAAS will continue to work in close partnership with ICAO, IATA and other stakeholders to identify and implement air traffic management initiatives in the region,” said Mr Yap Ong Heng, Director-General of Civil Aviation on the CAPA award.