ACI Inks Agreement With CAAS To Conduct Research & Develop Training Programmes

2022-05-16

On 16 May 2022, Airports Council International World (ACI World), Airports Council International Asia-Pacific (ACI Asia-Pacific) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to conduct research and studies and jointly develop and deliver training programmes for aviation professionals. The training programmes will equip aviation professionals with new knowledge and skills to help them rebuild their respective aviation sectors which have been badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in the last two years.

The MOU was signed by the Director General of ACI World, Mr Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific, Mr Stefano Baronci, and Director-General of CAAS, Mr Han Kok Juan held in Singapore. It was witnessed by Mr S Iswaran, Singapore Minister for Transport and Minister in charge of Trade Relations.

The ACI-CAAS MOU is the first MOU signed between ACI World, ACI Asia-Pacific and the CAAS and brings together the expertise of the respective organisations. ACI World and ACI Asia-Pacific represent the collective interests of 1,950 airports in 185 countries around the world, and 617 airports in 49 countries/areas in the Asia-Pacific/Middle East regions respectively. The CAAS has trained over 150,000 aviation professionals from over 200 countries through its training arm, Singapore Aviation Academy. The Singapore Aviation Academy is an established International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Regional Training Centre of Excellence.

As an immediate area of focus, ACI World, ACI Asia-Pacific and the CAAS will jointly develop and deliver the first global training programme on sustainable airport development and management by the end of this year. The programme will help meet demand for such expertise amongst aviation professionals. Currently, some airports particularly those in low-lying areas, have already had to deal with the effects of climate change such as flooding of runways which impact airport operations. Countries launching new airport developments are also having to incorporate sustainability considerations, requirements and solutions in their infrastructure planning and provision to meet rising expectations for sustainable aviation.

Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS said, “Our partnership with ACI is a strategic one. It allows CAAS to leverage ACI’s expertise and network of airports to share best practices and co-develop solutions to emerging challenges, such as sustainable aviation. This will in turn benefit Singapore when we apply the lessons learnt to the management of Changi Airport and the development of the new Terminal 5.”

“ACI is delighted to confirm enhanced collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore to advance common interests on sustainability, safety, security, and airport management. This MOU is in line with ACI’s mission to promote and facilitate excellence in airport operations and management. We look forward to exchanging knowledge and partnering on the development of events, diverse educational activities, as well as research and studies. Our partnership will play a key role in attracting and developing the new generation of aviation professionals, as well as improving airport excellence for the benefit of travelers and communities,” said ACI World Director General Mr Luis Felipe de Oliveira.

ACI Asia-Pacific Director General Mr Stefano Baronci said, “The signing of this MOU will forge a stronger working relationship with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore towards enhancing the aviation standards in the country. This partnership is vital to strengthen the existing programmes, as well as enhance collaboration on sustainability, aviation safety, security, and airport management. The MOU will enable us to work together in order to create a conducive environment for aviation industry in Singapore. We will leverage the strengths and areas of expertise of each other to meet the needs of all stakeholders.”