S'pore Calls For Greater Multilateral Pact To Empower Aviation System

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah SINGAPORE, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Singapore has called for greater multilateral collaborations in efforts to make all segments of the aviation system strong. In making the call, Singapore Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said aviation’s economics, safety, security, and ecological resiliency must all be boosted. He said only then can "we keep our heads above water in bad times and position ourselves to truly thrive in the good times." "Across the air transport value chain, we must work towards leaner, stronger and more robust operations. The airline sector provides one good example of what progress is possible. "It has worked hard at paring costs not only at the budget carrier end of the spectrum but across the board. At the same time, airlines have innovated new business models and revenue streams to both capture and deliver better value to their customers. "Other key parts of the aviation system such as airports, air navigation service providers and aviation regulators have also made progress, but much more needs to be done," he said in his address at the Singapore Airshow 2012 Aviation Leadership Summit at Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore. Lui said infrastructure needs to be upgraded, operational efficiency has to be enhanced and ease of doing business improved. "Multilateral collaboration is key to this. In this region, for example, the Asia and Pacific Initiative to reduce emissions has demonstrated the collaborative effort among regional air navigation service provioers to enhance air traffic management procedures on key routes, boosting efficiency and reducing fuel burn," he said. -- BERNAMA