AI, automation set to transform up to 30% of aviation jobs: Study

Up to 30 per cent of the 60,000 jobs in the aviation industry could be redesigned over the next five years, because of factors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and a push towards greater sustainability, a new report has shown.

- Esther Loi

These figures were from the aviation jobs transformation report that was launched on July 18 at the OneAviation careers and education fair.

To help workers and employers deal with these changes, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will set aside $200 million for a manpower fund.

The money will be used to support unions, aviation companies and education providers to better attract, develop and retain the aviation workforce, said Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling at the fair.

This sum is part of the $1 billion investment announced by CAAS in March to support the development of the Changi air hub.

The year-long manpower study—which was commissioned in 2024 by CAAS and Workforce Singapore (WSG)—is a first for the aviation industry here.

The report took stock of the current workforce and identified future trends, before coming up with recommendations to strengthen the future workforce, said CAAS in a press release.

The study found that there will be six trends affecting jobs and skills within the sector over the next five years: digitalisation, AI, automation, changing consumer preferences, shifting workforce preferences, and sustainability.

These trends will affect up to 30 per cent of existing jobs, and workers will need to upskill or reskill themselves, the report said.