Singapore to be first in Asia Pacific to have space-based air-surveillance system

It will be established by 2018.

Singapore has taken trailblazing to the sky as it is poised to become the first air navigation service provider in the Asia Pacific to have space-based air-surveillance in 2018.

According to a media release by CAAS, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Aireon LLC have inked a deal to provide space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) data for the Singapore Flight Information Region (FIR).

Over the next couple of years, CAAS will establish necessary infrastructure to integrate the service with Air Traffic Control systems. When implemented, space-based ADS-B will provide continuous surveillance of ADS-B equipped aircraft in the Singapore FIR, adding to existing surveillance sensors and improved air traffic controllers’ situational awareness.

“The use of space-based ADS-B will keep Singapore at the forefront of emerging air traffic management technologies. By doing so, we can safely improve the efficiency and capacity of air navigation services for the areas under our responsibility," commented CAAS director-general Kevin Shum.