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Minister Mentor Mr Lee Kuan Yew graces the launch of the new Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Changi Airport Group. The two entities, formed from the corporatisation of Changi’s airport operations and restructuring of CAAS, will work together to further develop Singapore as a leading air hub and a global city. Minister Mentor Mr Lee Kuan Yew graced the launch event at Changi Airport Terminal 3 this afternoon and unveiled the new logos of the two entities.
Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Raymond Lim, announced the corporatisation of Changi Airport and the restructuring of CAAS in August 2007. The corporatisation will allow for more focused roles and greater flexibility, thereby enabling the new CAAS and Changi Airport Group to better meet future challenges. The new CAAS will focus on the development of the air hub and aviation industry in Singapore as a whole as well as the provision of air navigation services. Changi Airport Group will focus on managing and running Changi Airport.
Since Minister Lim’s announcement in August 2007, CAAS has been busy preparing for the transformation. From airport operations to the corporate functions, every effort has been made to ensure a smooth transition. Operational separation between the two new entities with their assigned staff was smoothly effected three months prior to the eventual corporatisation on 1 July 2009. CAAS’ partners and stakeholders were consulted and kept informed of the changes they could expect.
New Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
The mission of the new CAAS is to grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore’s success. Its vision is “a leader in civil aviation; a city connecting the world”. To this end, CAAS will work in partnership with Changi Airport Group to develop Changi Airport as a global air hub, expand Singapore’s links to the rest of the world, and play an active role in promoting and developing the aviation industry in Singapore. On aviation safety, CAAS will strengthen its regulatory framework in line with international standards and best practices, and cultivate a safety culture in the aviation industry. With safe and efficient aircraft operations as a top priority, we will also further enhance air traffic management to increase airspace capacity, enhance safety and operational efficiency, and improve air navigation services. In addition, CAAS aims to develop Singapore as a centre of excellence for aviation knowledge and human resource development, with the Singapore Aviation Academy as a key element.
Mr Yap Ong Heng, Director-General, CAAS, said, “CAAS will be an enabler of the civil aviation sector, with the goal of making Singapore a global hub of aviation excellence. We will also enable opportunities through aviation – trade, business and people connections; enterprise and ventures; employment and individual pursuits. Working with our partners and stakeholders, CAAS aims to enhance aviation’s significant contributions to Singapore’s economic development and position as a global city. We also aspire to be a leader in civil aviation, playing a key role in shaping international aviation. To attain our goals, we will build on the CAAS team of people who are committed to the organisation and passionate about aviation.”
Changi Airport Group
Changi Airport Group will manage the airport operations and undertake operational functions focusing on airport operations and management and airport emergency services. Changi Airport Group will work together with airport partners as a team to think of innovative and exciting ways to bring an extraordinary Changi Experience to each and every passenger. In addition to its role in airport operations, investments in foreign airports will also be under the ambit of Changi Airport Group.
Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group, said, “Our mission is to be the world’s leading airport company growing a vibrant air hub in Singapore and extending our reach beyond our shores.” He added, “We believe that people are the essence in achieving success. We want to be a customer-focused company, and a people-first organisation. Only a strong team of committed and passionate people can fulfill our dreams of service excellence to our customers, airline and airport partners. By attracting, retaining and growing our fair share of talents, we will be able to achieve our vision of building a company where ordinary people achieve extraordinary results.”
The Government will be entering into negotiations with Temasek on the sale of Changi Airport Group to Temasek.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
