Major changes predicted for Singapore aviation sector in the next five years
Up to 30% of Singapore's aviation workforce will be transformed due to artificial intelligence and other megatrends that will impact the sector over the next five years.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) made the prediction in a new Aviation Jobs Transformation Report, which is the first-ever comprehensive stocktake of the sector.
It identified six megatrends that will impact aviation jobs and skills over the next five years, which are:
- Digitalisation
- Data and AI
- Automation and robotics
- Changing consumer preferences
- Changing workforce preferences
- Sustainability
"These megatrends will transform existing jobs and create new and exciting jobs for the Singapore aviation sector, for up to 30% of the workforce over the next five years," CAAS said in a media release.
"Existing jobs will be transformed, and new jobs will be created for a new generation of Singapore workers."
Singapore's aviation sector currently directly employs over 60,000 workers, but it is expected to grow in tandem with air travel demand, according to the report.
Investment to support employers
CAAS said businesses and operations in Singapore's air hub will need to respond to the megatrends in order to stay competitive and resilient.
To assist employers, CAAS will establish a new $200 million OneAviation Manpower Fund that supports initiatives to better attract, develop, and retain the OneAviation workforce.
"The new funding support will target specific manpower development needs for the aviation sector," CAAS said.
"It will complement existing initiatives such as NTUC's Company Training Committee grant for business and workforce transformation and WSG Career Conversion Programmes for job redesign and reskilling efforts."
WSG will also develop an Aviation Sector Job Redesign Playbook later this year to help employers identify essential skillsets for emerging roles.
It will also support employers in implementing job redesign opportunities effectively, according to CAAS.
"Through this playbook, Singaporeans can explore diverse job opportunities in aviation which align with their career aspirations," the authority said.
"Employers can also leverage the national Career Health SG initiative's suite of tools and resources to support their workers to build resilient and fulfilling careers in the sector."
The report comes after Singapore's aviation workforce surpassed pre-pandemic levels, a strong rebound after major losses during the COVID-19 pandemic when air travel was limited.
