On November 14 and 15, 2024, leaders from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) met in Kansai, Japan, during the third edition of the Singapore-Japan Dialogue on Aviation Collaboration. The discussions aimed at enhancing air connectivity, sustainability, safety, traffic management, and innovation within the aviation sector.
The air travel sector between Singapore and Japan has shown significant recovery, with flight frequencies reaching nearly 90% of pre-pandemic levels as of November 2024. This improvement translates to 165 weekly passenger flights operated by seven airlines, a notable increase from the previous year's 70% recovery rate. Both CAAS and JCAB are optimistic about achieving full recovery by 2025.
Recognizing the importance of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in reducing aviation emissions, both authorities are working to expand SAF production and availability in the region. They are also exploring hydrogen as a potential alternative fuel, with discussions on hydrogen-fueled vehicles at airports already underway.
In response to recent safety incidents, CAAS and JCAB are developing enhanced aviation safety strategies, particularly focusing on runway safety. This includes the adoption of new technologies to prevent runway incursions and the creation of comprehensive safety plans involving airlines and airport operators.
The dialogue also covered advancements in air traffic management (ATM), including the implementation of User Preferred Route systems for more efficient flight routing. Japan's introduction of the Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) Landing System at Haneda Airport, which improves landing accuracy, was also discussed.
Moreover, both nations are committed to fostering innovation in aviation. Narita Airport's recent membership in the International Aviation Lab, which includes major industry players, aims to enhance airport operations through technological advancements.
With the rapid evolution of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility, CAAS and JCAB are focused on developing regulations to ensure the safe integration of these technologies into aviation. The nations are active participants in regional discussions aimed at standardizing UAS and AAM operations, with reference materials expected by mid-2025.
This annual dialogue, established through a Memorandum of Cooperation signed in 2022, continues to strengthen the strategic partnership in civil aviation between Singapore and Japan.