Singapore and the Arab Region Deepen Cooperation in Civil Aviation Training
12 February 2025
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) have enhanced the CAAS-ACAO Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen cooperation in civil aviation training to support one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets[1]. The ACAO represents 22 Member States[2] from the Middle East and African regions. The MOU will facilitate the training of aviation professionals from ACAO Member States and equip them with the skillsets to address emerging industry challenges and seize growth opportunities for the future.
2 The MOU was signed by Mr Ng Tee Chiou, 2 Deputy Director-General of CAAS, and Mr Abdennebi Manar, Director General of ACAO, at the sidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. The signing was witnessed by Mr Yap Ong Heng, Special Envoy of Singapore Minister for Transport and His Excellency Abdulaziz al-Duailej, President of the Executive Council of ACAO.
3 The MOU will include two new elements:
a. CAAS will offer three scholarships to young aviation professionals aged 35 and below from these States to attend the Singapore-ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Scholarship Programme. The six-week programme includes a two-week course at the Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA), the training arm of CAAS, a four-week attachment at an aviation entity in Singapore and mentoring sessions with an SAA senior fellow.
b. The ICAO-SAA Directors-General of Civil Aviation Programme will be conducted for ACAO Member States to facilitate knowledge exchange, including in the area of aviation safety among ACAO Member States.
4 Under the MOU, CAAS will also:
a. provide 75 fellowships over the next three years for aviation professionals from ACAO Member States to attend SAA training programmes in Singapore.
b. conduct three in-region trainings across key aviation fields such as aviation safety and security, accident investigation, air navigation services, sustainability and airport management.
5 CAAS and ACAO first signed an MOU to collaborate on civil aviation training in 2002. To date, CAAS has provided over 1,000 fellowships and trained close to 5,000 participants from ACAO Member States.
6 “ACAO is a key partner in advancing capacity building across its Member States, which span a diverse and important region that connects Asia, Africa and Europe. By deepening our partnership with ACAO, we are committed to enhancing aviation safety, efficiency and expertise, foster knowledge exchange-sharing and elevate professional standards across borders. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on the aviation industry in both regions and beyond.” said Mr Ng Tee Chiou.
7 “ACAO is delighted to continue this fruitful collaboration and explore new partnerships, sharing the goal of strengthening the safety, efficiency and sustainability of civil aviation worldwide.” said Mr Abdennebi Manar.
[1] The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects global air passenger volume of the Middle East and African regions to double over the next 20 years.
[2] ACAO Member States: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen
About the Arab Civil Aviation Organization
The Arab Civil Aviation Organization is a specialized Arab organization affiliated to the Arab League which aims to strengthen cooperation and coordination among Arab countries in the field of civil aviation and its development. It was established on 7 February 1996, when its Agreement came into force, and its first General Assembly was held on the 5 June 1996. 22 States have ratified the Convention. For more information, visit https://www.acao.org.ma/site/en/
About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success. CAAS' roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, provide aviation training for human resource development, and contribute to the development of international civil aviation. For more information, visit www.caas.gov.sg
For media queries, please contact:
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Email: caas_corporate_communications@caas.gov.sg
Arab Civil Aviation Organization
Email: o.elmahdaoui@gmail.com