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The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has unveiled the International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI) aims to spearhead collaborative efforts in developing and adopting cutting-edge technologies, with a particular focus on next-generation air navigation services, automated and smart airports, unmanned aviation systems, and sustainable aviation.
The aviation industry, battered by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, now faces a surge in demand for air travel. To navigate this complex terrain, CAAS recognises the need for innovative solutions to overcome issues such as capacity constraints, manpower shortages, and the imperative to decarbonise air travel.
The ICAI aims to be at the forefront of this transformative journey, adopting a vendor-agnostic approach and leveraging open architecture principles for enhanced interoperability.
Situated in Singapore, a key hub in the Asia-Pacific region, the ICAI is strategically positioned to collaborate with governments, industries, and research institutes globally. By pooling expertise and resources, the centre seeks to co-develop solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by the region’s burgeoning air travel demand.
The ICAI’s initiatives encompass four key vertical domains: Next Generation Air Navigation Services, Automated & Smart Airports, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and Sustainable Aviation. Each domain addresses critical aspects of the aviation ecosystem, from optimising air traffic handling capacities to driving total airport management and developing new concepts for unmanned aircraft integration.
Under the Next Generation Air Navigation Services domain, the ICAI will pioneer new concepts to streamline route and terminal air traffic handling capacities. The establishment of a Regional Experimentation Platform will provide a virtual and distributed platform, fostering common airspace situational awareness for regional users on weather and aircraft flight routes.
The Automated & Smart Airport initiative will focus on total airport management, digitalisation of airport processes, and automation of labour-intensive tasks. The ICAI will conduct proof-of-concept trials and test-bedding efforts in actual airport operating conditions, engaging industry partners to deploy solutions at scale.
The digitalisation and automation advancements not only enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience but also contribute to resource optimisation, safety, sustainability, and the overall adaptability of airports to the ever-evolving landscape of technology.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems will see the development and implementation of new operating concepts to integrate air traffic management for both unmanned and manned aircraft. This includes facilitating the safe and secure adoption of advanced air mobility technology in urbanised and densely populated areas.
Sustainable Aviation, the fourth domain, aims to minimise the carbon footprint of air travel through innovative concepts such as advanced demand-capacity balancing, performance-based navigation, and optimisation of gate-to-gate trajectory.
The ICAI will operate on two horizontal fronts: translating research to deployment and capability development for the aviation system. By adopting a systems lifecycle approach, the centre will manage research and development from concept ideation to solution development, conducting trials with partners to pool resources and share risks. Additionally, the establishment of a specialised Innovation Lab will model, simulate, and validate new concepts of operations and their benefits.
Singapore, as a major air hub in the Asia-Pacific region, acknowledges the pivotal role of innovation in aviation. CAAS has taken the lead in establishing the ICAI, with initial operations funded by CAAS and Singapore’s National Research Foundation.
The centre aims to secure funding support from other partners, signalling a collaborative effort to shape the future of aviation technology. To kickstart the ICAI’s work, CAAS will engage the centre to manage Stage 1 of Singapore’s Aviation Transformation Programme, fostering new concepts and prototypes and enhancing the research ecosystem.
