Singapore’s Chairmanship (2022-2023) of ASEAN Air Transport Working Group (ATWG) was a commendable leadership role undertaken to navigate challenges posted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the realm of ASEAN air travel. ASEAN has elevated sustainable aviation as a new area of priority, under Singapore’s leadership. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) took proactive measures by organizing four Sustainability Forums, each addressing crucial aspects such as policies, production pathways, and feedstock studies for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), airport decarbonization, and aviation decarbonization efforts by ASEAN Dialogue Partners and the industry stakeholders.
The CAAS has also developed the ASEAN Sustainable Aviation Action Plan (ASAAP) and was formally adopted at the 29th ASEAN Transport Ministers meeting (29th ATM) held from November 7 to November 10, 2023. The ASEAN Member States have worked together to sustain air travel, boost connectivity, enhance capacity, and incorporate new technology to support future growth of air travel. Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), expressed Singapore’s honor in working alongside fellow ASEAN Member States to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic within the aviation sector.
As Singapore handed over the Chairmanship to Thailand in 2024, the baton was passed on to continue the 10-year action plan outlined in the ASEAN Sustainable Aviation Action Plan (ASAAP). This transition signifies a commitment to the long-term sustainability growth of the aviation sector, reflecting the collective dedication of ASEAN nations to overcoming challenges and shaping the future of air travel in the region.
