The token presentation took place at the sidelines of the 15th and final meeting of the ADS-B Study and Implementation Task Force (ADS-B SITF) held 18-20 April 2016 at Bangkok, Thailand.

14 years ago, ICAO identified Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B), an aircraft surveillance technology, as a more cost-effective alternative to enhance aircraft surveillance in the Asia Pacific region.  The ADS-B Study and Implementation Task Force (STIF) was thus set up to study the implementation of the technology. Its aim was to use ADS-B surveillance coverage to fill the gaps of existing radar coverage, allowing for enhanced tracking of aircraft. 

Supported by the ADS-B SITF, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Singapore collaborated with Indonesia and Vietnam to implement ADS-B coverage at the western part of the South China Sea where radar coverage was not available. The implementation of the project took around four years. Today, ADS-B has been successfully installed, with the enhanced flight tracking capabilities allowing for the safe reduction in separation between aircraft, thus increasing airspace capacity and efficiency.

In recognition for Singapore’s effort in this, ICAO recently presented a token of appreciation to Singapore. The token was received on behalf of Singapore by Mr Yeo Cheng Nam, Director (Aeronautical Telecommunications & Engineering), CAAS. ICAO also awarded tokens of appreciation to Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department, similarly in recognition of its contribution to the initiative; and to the chairman of the ADS-B SITF, Mr Greg Dunstone from Australia, for his 14 years of chairmanship.    

Moving forward, Singapore will work with Brunei and the Philippines to cover the surveillance coverage gap at the eastern part of the South China Sea area.