The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is setting up an International Aviation Lab to develop innovative solutions for the transformation of airport operations around the world.
On 6 September 2024, CAAS, the International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI), Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD), Airbus, Boeing, Changi Airport Group (CAG), SATS Ltd. (SATS), International Airlines Group (IAG) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the International Aviation Lab to jointly explore, initiate and undertake innovation projects. The MOU signing was witnessed by Singapore Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, Mr Chee Hong Tat. (Refer to Annex A for the MOU signatories.)
The international aviation sector has recovered strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic. Air travel demand is expected to grow strongly over the next few decades, with the International Air Transport Association projecting air passenger volume to double by 2040, delivering better connectivity, development and growth to countries, people and businesses. To realise the sector’s potential and meet growing demand, airports around the world will need to reassess airport operations. Many will need to better leverage technology and innovation, to overcome capacity and manpower constraints.
In recognition of this, CAAS will be setting up an International Aviation Lab, in partnership with the world’s two major aircraft manufacturers, airport operator, ground handler, airlines and research institute. This is a first-of-its kind collaboration which seeks to drive airport transformation end-to-end. For instance, this may include enhancements to aircraft designs and standardisation across aircraft manufacturers and aircraft types, to better facilitate process automation and optimise the interface between airline and airport ground operations. CAAS will appoint ICAI to serve as the programme manager to oversee the overall planning and execution of the Lab’s programmes.
Under the MOU, the partners will work together to support the setting up of the Lab within the next two years. This includes establishing joint research and innovation programmes, co-developing roadmaps and projects, sharing resources, and exchanging knowledge. Industry workshops will be organised in the coming months to ideate and prioritise potential projects. The projects will be test-bedded in Singapore for international application, to address some of the most critical challenges faced by international airports around the world. Some possible projects include:
Automated Loading and Unloading of Baggage for Narrowbody Aircraft.
Unlike widebody aircraft where baggage is loaded and unloaded via Unit Load3 Devices and specialised equipment, the loading and unloading of baggage from the cargo hold of narrowbody aircraft relies largely on manual labour given the limited space. Automation will help improve productivity and reduce physical strain on workers.
Automated and Smart Technical Ramp Handling. Today, a team of ground handlers performs various ramp activities when an aircraft arrives at a parking bay. These include screening and removing foreign objects and debris, placing safety cones and wheel chocks, attaching grounding cables, and connecting hoses to resupply water to the aircraft. These routine activities are highly labour-intensive and can benefit from automation.
Smart Gates. When a Passenger Loading Bridge (PLB) is docked, a ground agent is required to open or close the aircraft’s door from the outside. Such operations are manpower intensive, especially if many contact gates are operating simultaneously. A full suite of robotics and automation solutions can remove the need for an operator to be stationed at the PLB and allow all PLBs to be remotely controlled in the near future.
Autonomous Aircraft Pushback and Towing. Major airports in the world, including Singapore Changi Airport, handle high volumes of aircraft pushback and towing operations daily to allow passengers to depart and/or arrive more conveniently via a contact gate instead of a remote bay. Such operations require a large pool of skilled ground handlers to be stationed throughout the airport. Automating pushback and towing operations will improve productivity and precision, and reduce reliance on manpower.
Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General, CAAS, said: “The International Aviation Lab is a bold initiative aimed at achieving quantum leaps in productivity through end-to-end transformation of airport processes. We thank our MOU partners for their support and for choosing Singapore as the testbed for the Lab’s innovations. The solutions we develop are for global deployment; in the coming months, we will work on growing the partnership to onboard more airlines and other airports.”
Mr Patrick Ky, Chief Executive Officer, ICAI, said: “There are a number of airport labs around the world. What makes the International Aviation Lab unique is its blend of international and local technology partners, and the participation of the only common denominator for airport innovation: the aircraft manufacturers.”
Professor Phoon Kok Kwang, President, SUTD, said: “SUTD is honoured to have been selected as the research partner for this groundbreaking collaboration. Air travel is a multi-faceted experience that extends beyond the airplane, involving a complex network of systems designed for travellers, airport staff, and all individuals within the airport ecosystem. By considering human-centeredness and human-machine teaming, we can elevate every aspect of air travel. As the anchor research institute of the new International Aviation Lab, we will leverage
Design, AI, and Technology to explore the innovative nexus of smart robotics, communications, and systems to address challenges in both aircraft and ground-handling operations, ensuring a seamless, efficient, and user-focused journey.”
Mr Anand Stanley, President, Airbus Asia-Pacific, said: “Innovation is core in shaping the future of aviation. Airbus has been an advocate of collaborative innovation with the industry to bring future concepts to life, and we are very pleased to join forces with Singapore partners to develop new technologies to transform Singapore’s airport operations.”
Dr Todd Citron, Chief Technology Officer, Boeing, said: “It is an honour to partner with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and the aviation industry to develop innovative solutions for transforming airport operations globally. The first-of-its-kind International Aviation Lab in Singapore reflects the industry-wide collaboration essential for achieving efficient and safe airport operations while enhancing the overall passenger experience. Together we will achieve a more sustainable future for aerospace.”
Mr Yam Kum Weng, Chief Executive Officer, CAG, said: “With a common vision to transform global airport operations through innovation, the International Aviation Lab will facilitate the delivery of impactful solutions that elevate capacity, efficiency and safety for the industry. Such pioneering innovations will help shape the future of airport operations.”
Mr Kerry Mok, President and CEO, SATS, said: “As the world’s largest provider of air cargo handling services and Asia’s leading inflight caterer, SATS looks forward to working with International Aviation Lab partners to transform airport operations to improve safety, efficiency and to deliver a better customer experience for all airport users. SATS Group’s global presence in over 215 stations in 27 countries allows us to contribute a broad spectrum of capabilities, which now serve some of the world’s busiest airports located in different climate zones, to the Lab’s partners to accelerate efforts for better and more sustainable airport operations.”
Mr Jorge Saco, Chief Information, Procurement, Services & Innovation Officer, IAG, said: “We are pleased to join the International Aviation Lab and work together with a broad range of experts to bring airport initiatives to life and improve the experience of our customers.”
Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “At Singapore Airlines, we have an unwavering commitment to pursuing innovations that elevate our world-class customer experience. The International Aviation Lab will facilitate deeper collaboration with global industry partners to develop cutting-edge solutions for seamless traveller journeys. These initiatives could help us overcome capacity and manpower constraints, potentially transforming future airport operations.”
