Aviation sector a bright spot, employs 36,000: Chee Hong Tat

Figure surpasses pre-pandemic levels and key players continue to hire, look to expand

- Esther Loi

Singapore's aviation industry, which now employs about 36,000 workers, remains a "bright spot" amid a turbulent and uncertain global environment, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said on May 7.

This means Singapore's aviation workforce has crossed levels recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic, when the sector employed 35,000 workers.

In recent years, employment figures in the aviation workforce have been creeping back up to 2019 levels, hitting 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in May 2023 and 95 per cent in August 2023.

Mr Chee said key players in the industry, including national carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA), operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) and ground handler Sats, are continuing to hire for various roles and looking to expand.

He was speaking to reporters during a tour of the Airbus Singapore Campus in Seletar Aerospace Park.

Mr Chee said the aviation, maritime, supply chain and logistics industries are among those with the potential for further growth.

Ahead of the start of construction on Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5) in mid-May, Mr Chee said Singapore "should not stand still" between now and the completion of the mega terminal in about a decade.

Noting that there are many things that could be done in the meantime, he said the nation aims to expand its aviation city links from the current 170 to 200 for better flight connectivity.