Singapore signs MoU with International Air Transport Association

The MoU is expected to further enhance the close collaboration between the Association and the Government in the are of civil aviation.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the MoU, inked by Mr Raymond Lim, Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Mr Giovanni Bisignani, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of IATA, is in recognition of the importance of IATA’s presence in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region, and symbolises the strong partnership between Singapore and IATA in civil aviation matters.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Raymond Lim lauded IATA for its pivotal role in developing the civil aviation industry and expressed optimism on the benefits of IATA’s continued presence in Singapore to the region. “With its close working relations with other strategically important aviation bodies, national aviation bodies in other countries and ICAO, IATA is able to influence the thinking of decision-makers in the industry, international organisations and even governments. Looking ahead, I am confident that IATA will continue to serve the region well as it grows its operations here.”

IATA established its Singapore office as its Asia-Pacific Regional Office in 1994. Since then, the aviation industry in this region has benefitted from its presence here. IATA has, through various air traffic management initiatives, helped to promote the safety and efficiency of air traffic management while its Regional Training Centre has become a key human capital grooming and nurturing centre for the industry. It has also worked closely with Singapore Government in organising the highly successful series of the Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit, a biennial event that sees senior management of key players in the aviation industry and key government officials exchange views and share insights on issues surrounding the industry. Among IATA’s upcoming initiatives include the hosting of several of its international events in Singapore over the coming years, starting off with its inaugural International Aviation Human Capital Summit in November 2011.

The signing of this MOU also marks the successful outcome of a multi-agency initiative jointly led by the Ministry of Transport and the Economic Development Board. The initiative, which is a part of the EDB’s International Organisation Programme, is carried out in partnership with various Singapore Government agencies to facilitate the setting up of international non-profit organisations’ operations in Singapore as well as to help them develop and expand into this region. To date, there are a total of 120 INPOs, including industry organizations, established in Singapore.