Singapore to Increase Air Traffic Controllers by 40%

Singapore will increase its air traffic controllers by 40% in the next decade to meet growing air travel demand.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore aims to have 700 air traffic controllers by the mid-2030s, up from 500 now, as part of a S$4 billion upgrade to air navigation services.

S$500 million of the S$4 billion will be used to grow the air traffic control workforce by 200 officers.

The rest of the money, S$3.2 billion, will be spent on new systems and infrastructure, and S$300 million on new technology to help air traffic controllers.

To attract new controllers, the authority is offering a S$20,000 sign-on bonus, on top of the usual pay package.

The bonus will be paid in two parts: after completing training and after getting a licence.

New controllers with a university degree will start on S$64,000 a year, while those with a diploma will start on S$49,000.

After five years, controllers can earn around S$120,000 a year, regardless of their qualifications.

Air traffic controllers manage 2,000 flights a day, including 1,000 at Changi Airport.

The number of air passengers is expected to almost triple in the next 25 years, with half of this growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

Air navigation services need to improve to match investments in airport infrastructure.

Singapore will invest in air navigation to keep flying safe, efficient, and sustainable as demand grows.

The authority has announced other initiatives to attract new controllers.

These include a new university degree with air traffic control training and a scholarship for young Singaporeans.

The scholarship will give students a degree and a licence through an accelerated pathway.

Scholars will get professional training and may work on international projects to improve aviation safety.

The authority will also launch a management associate programme for fresh graduates interested in air traffic control.

An engineering development centre will be set up to strengthen engineering capabilities in air navigation services.

The authority will also give stipend top-ups to local PhD students to build up research capabilities in air traffic management.

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