The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has announced a significant S$4b investment to upgrade its air navigation services over the next 15 years. This initiative aims to address the rising demand for air travel and bolster Singapore’s status as a global air hub. The upgrade, dubbed the “man-machine-method” approach, will enhance the capabilities of air traffic control officers (ATCOs), develop cutting-edge systems, and optimise regional traffic flows.
CAAS plans to increase its ATCO workforce by 40%, from 500 to 700, by the mid-2030s. This expansion is crucial as Singapore prepares for the opening of Changi Airport Terminal 5. To attract more Singaporeans to the profession, CAAS is offering a S$20,000 sign-on bonus for new recruits starting 1 June 2026. Additionally, a new undergraduate degree with ATC specialisation and an ATC Management Associate Programme will be introduced to develop future leaders in air traffic control.
The investment will also see the development of advanced systems such as the NexGen ATM System, which will support up to one million aircraft movements annually. The Integrated Digital Tower System will enhance situational awareness and decision-making, whilst the Info-Centric ATM will improve traffic flow management.
Infrastructure upgrades include a new Singapore Air Traffic Control Centre, set for completion by 2028, and enhancements to the Changi Control Tower. These improvements will facilitate three-runway operations by the end of the decade, increasing Changi Airport’s flight handling capacity and ensuring safety and efficiency in regional air traffic.
