Singapore and Japan boost aviation ties, enhancing air travel and innovation for a booming travel sector.

During the third edition of the Singapore-Japan Dialogue on Aviation Collaboration, held in Kansai, Japan on November 14 and 15, 2024, leaders from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) convened to forge stronger ties in the aviation sector. The meeting, led by CAAS Director-General Han Kok Juan and JCAB Senior Deputy Director-General Onuma Toshiyuki, focused on enhancing air connectivity, sustainability, safety, traffic management, innovation, and the integration of unmanned and advanced aerial systems in response to the anticipated doubling of global air travel demand within the next two decades.

Air Connectivity: The air travel sector between Singapore and Japan has shown robust recovery over the past year. By November 2024, the flight frequency reached nearly 90% of its pre-pandemic volume with 165 weekly passenger flights operated by seven airlines, a significant increase from 70% the previous year. Both CAAS and JCAB are optimistic about achieving full recovery by 2025 and are committed to increasing air service connectivity and enhancing the efficiency and timeliness of flights to improve passenger experience.

Sustainable Aviation: Both authorities recognize the pivotal role of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in achieving net-zero aviation emissions by 2050. Efforts are underway to expand the availability of SAF feedstocks and production channels throughout the region, alongside contributing to the broader deployment of CORSIA Eligible Fuels. Additionally, CAAS and JCAB will initiate discussions on utilizing hydrogen as an alternative decarbonization method, including sharing insights on hydrogen-fueled vehicles at airports, as demonstrated through CAAS’s visits to hydrogen-filling stations at Osaka and Kansai International Airports.

Aviation Safety: In light of the Haneda incident, CAAS and JCAB are collaboratively developing strategies to enhance aviation safety, especially focusing on runway safety. This includes adopting new technologies to avoid runway incursions, crafting comprehensive runway safety plans, and fostering cooperation among airlines, airport operators, and other stakeholders.

Air Traffic Management (ATM): The dialogue highlighted shared efforts in implementing User Preferred Route (UPR) systems that offer pilots more direct and efficient routing options, thereby saving time and reducing emissions. Additionally, Japan’s introduction of the Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) Landing System at Haneda Airport, which enhances landing accuracy through satellite guidance, was discussed along with cooperative measures to mitigate Global Navigation Satellite System interference.

Aviation Innovation: The collaboration extends into aviation innovation, where both parties are keen to harness technology to meet the growing demands of air travel. On this front, Narita Airport has recently joined the International Aviation Lab, which also includes major industry players like Airbus and Boeing. This global initiative aims to revolutionize airport operations through innovative solutions.

UAS and AAM: With rapid advancements in unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility, CAAS and JCAB are committed to developing comprehensive regulations that ensure the safe incorporation of these technologies into mainstream aviation. Both nations are key participants in the Asia-Pacific regional discussions on standardizing UAS and AAM operations, with reference materials expected to be published by mid-2025.

This annual dialogue, rooted in a Memorandum of Cooperation signed in 2022, continues to underpin the strategic partnership in civil aviation between Singapore and Japan.

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