In the bustling heart of Singapore's aviation sector, a clarion call for increased vigilance on runway safety has been sounded by Mr. Han Kok Juan, the esteemed director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). As the world gradually emerges from the shadows of the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore's air traffic is soaring towards a full recovery, with projections indicating a return to, or surpassing, pre-pandemic levels within the year. This resurgence was highlighted at the Aviation Safety Forum 2024, where Mr. Han addressed industry professionals at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport hotel.
The recent surge in air traffic is a testament to the sector's resilience and adaptability. Changi Airport, a jewel in Singapore's crown, has already witnessed a 0.5 percent increase in passenger numbers in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019. This milestone marks the first time the airport has exceeded its pre-pandemic quarterly passenger volume, with a remarkable 16.5 million travelers passing through its gates. However, with this growth comes a heightened responsibility to maintain and enhance runway safety. The aviation industry is at a critical juncture where the increase in air passenger volume could potentially lead to an uptick in workload and, consequently, safety risks. Mr. Han poignantly referenced the tragic collision at Tokyo's Haneda Airport involving a Japan Airlines aircraft and a coast guard plane, which resulted in the loss of five lives, as a stark reminder that runway incidents are a grave concern that must be addressed with urgency.
Singapore itself is not a stranger to such incidents. The memory of an Arrow Air freighter aircraft overrunning a runway at Changi Airport in 2002, and a South Korean flying display aircraft skidding off a runway during the Singapore Airshow in 2018, serve as sobering examples of the risks present even in well-regulated environments.
In response to these challenges, CAAS is proactively developing a new national aviation safety plan, set to span from 2025 to 2027. This strategic initiative aims to address post-pandemic challenges and adapt to the evolving safety landscape. The plan, which is eagerly anticipated to be published in the first quarter of 2025, will focus on three key areas: leveraging technology to support human performance and reduce workloads, understanding human factors more deeply, and fostering collaboration within the aviation sector.
Technology's role in enhancing runway safety cannot be overstated. It serves as a pivotal tool in supporting human performance, especially in the face of labour constraints. By monitoring and analyzing safety data, technology can aid in mitigating potential accidents before they occur. This proactive approach to safety is essential in an industry where the stakes are incredibly high. Human factors, too, play a significant role in maintaining safety standards. The aviation industry must continue to invest in training and procedures that account for human limitations and ensure that personnel are equipped to handle the increasing pressures that come with air traffic growth. Collaboration remains a cornerstone of aviation safety. By sharing knowledge, best practices, and experiences, the aviation community can work together to create a safer airspace for all. This collective effort is crucial in developing comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted nature of aviation safety.
As we navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic world, the insights from CAAS's chief, Mr. Han, serve as a guiding light for the aviation industry. The commitment to runway safety is not just about maintaining standards; it's about elevating them to new heights in the face of growing air traffic. It's a commitment to the millions of passengers who entrust their lives to the aviation sector each day, and a promise to ensure that every journey is as safe as the last.
