Impact of Agreement to Realign Flight Information Region Boundary between Singapore and Jakarta
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the realignment of Flight Information Region (FIR) boundaries between Singapore and Jakarta and its impact on aviation safety and Changi Airport’s long-term growth. Members of Parliament raised queries regarding transition measures for the Natuna and Riau Islands airspace, the agreement's ratification timeline, and strategic plans for the next 25 years. Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean stated that these concerns would be addressed in Ministerial Statements delivered by himself and Minister for Transport S Iswaran. The response will focus on the projected benefits of the collaboration with Indonesia and ensuring the continued safe and smooth operation of air services. This collective inquiry seeks to clarify the strategic implications for Singapore’s air services industry and the long-term management of its international air hub.
Transcript
1 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Transport in light of the agreement to realign the boundary between the Jakarta Flight Information Region (FIR) and the Singapore FIR (a) what is the expected short- to long-term impact on our air services industry and other related sectors; (b) how will this allow Changi Airport to grow in the long term as an international air hub; and (c) what are the strategic plans beyond 25 years in terms of managing the airspace and ensuring air traffic control safety.
2 Ms Poh Li San asked the Minister for Transport (a) how does the realignment of the Flight Information Region (FIR) boundary between Singapore and Jakarta and, in particular, the return of FIR over the Natuna and Riau Islands to Indonesia, improve civil aviation safety and efficiency and allow Changi Airport to grow in the long term; and (b) what are the handover measures to ensure a smooth and safe transition.
3 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Transport given the agreement between Singapore and Indonesia to realign the Flight Information Region (FIR) boundaries (a) how does the Ministry intend to ensure the continued safe and smooth flight operations for Changi Airport; and (b) what is the estimated timeline for ratification of the FIR Agreement.
4 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Transport what are the implications for Changi Airport in view of the agreement between Singapore and Indonesia covering a change in the Flight Information Region.
5 Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Transport arising from the agreement at the 5th Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat in Bintan, what will be the status of the Singapore and Jakarta Flight Information Regions (FIR) respectively, should both Governments fail to come to a new agreement after 25 years.
6 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Prime Minister what are the projected benefits of the joint collaboration with Indonesia under the latest mutually beneficial agreements signed.
The Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security (Mr Teo Chee Hean): Mr Speaker, may I have your permission to answer Question Nos 1 to 6 as part of the Ministerial Statements to be delivered by me and Minister for Transport Mr S Iswaran later in the Sitting, please?
Mr Speaker: Yes, you may.