Singapore: S$200m fund set up for air traffic management R&D

SINGAPORE: Singapore will be developed into a centre of excellence for air traffic management.

To spur research and development, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore has set up a S$200 million fund to provide grants and incentives over the next 10 years.

Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said a dedicated programme office will be established in CAAS to drive and support efforts.

Mr Lui said the capabilities and solutions developed in Singapore will also benefit the Asia-Pacific region, given that air traffic is poised to see more growth.

Thus, a boost to air traffic management (ATM) is timely.

"Particularly here in Singapore, will need to invest heavily in ATM research and development, to address our ATM needs, particularly as we expect Changi's air traffic to grow strongly," said Mr Lui.

"Over the last 10 years, we have been averaging close to 4 per cent compounded annual air traffic growth. For the rest of the decade, we estimate the growth to be somewhere around four to five per cent in line with what we see as strong demand for air traffic in our region," he added.

Mr Lui made the announcement as he commissioned the next generation Long Range Radar and Display System (LORADS) III air traffic control simulator.

The simulator will prepare Changi Airport's air traffic controllers before the new system kicks in, in the second half next year.

At a ceremony on Monday, Mr Lui witnessed the handing over of the LORADS III Air Traffic Control Simulator from Mr Adam Burford, Vice President Air Operations of Thales, to Mr Yap Ong Heng, Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).  

Source:    http://news.insing.com