AIR TRAFFIC SAFETY MEASURES AT CHANGI AIRPORT

Mr Ahmad Mohd Magad asked the Minister for Communications whether there are adequate measures in place or planned to be implemented to ensure air traffic safety during aeroplane takeoffs and landings at Changi International Airport.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Air safety is a top priority for the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). At Changi Airport, all necessary measures are in place to ensure that aircraft land and take-off safely. Air navigation facilities and air traffic procedures at Changi Airport comply strictly with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Navigational facilities such as Instrument Landing Systems are checked regularly by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States to ensure their reliability and accuracy.

Since Changi Airport began operations in 1981, it has been considered deficiency free in terms of air safety every year by the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA). IFALPA's ratings are based on assessments of the air traffic services, navigational facilities and conditions of the runway, taxiway and apron at the airport. Changi Airport's deficiency free record is an important international recognition of its very high safety standard.