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SINGAPORE: The official inauguration of Airbus’s new integrated campus amid the COVID-19 pandemic is a “statement of confidence in Singapore,” Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing said on Friday (November 20).
Speaking at the opening of the new Airbus Singapore campus, Mr. Chan said that the aviation industry is “defensive”, with the sector hit hard by the pandemic.
“Even in the depths of the crisis, we are not playing defense. Even in the depths of a crisis, we constantly partner to look to the future and see what more we can do to talk about a more decarbonized future of aviation in which we can all participate, ”said the minister.
The campus was originally scheduled to open in February, but was delayed due to the pandemic.
Located in Seletar Aerospace Park, the new campus spans 51,000 square meters. It is an expansion of an existing site that houses the Airbus Asia Training Center, a joint venture between Airbus and Singapore Airlines, as well as the company’s Asia-Pacific spare parts distribution facility, operated by Airbus subsidiary Satair.
The new campus facilities include offices that serve as the company’s regional hub for its commercial aircraft and defense, space and helicopter businesses.
Additionally, a second Satair warehouse has increased volume and storage capacity by more than 70%.
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“The new campus in Singapore reflects our continued commitment to our presence in key regions,” said Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Airbus International Director Christian Scherer.
“From Singapore, we can more easily connect with customers and other stakeholders in Asia Pacific, acting quickly to meet their needs. This is especially important during these difficult times. ”
STATE OF SINGAPORE AS A STRENGTHENED LOGISTICS CENTER
Air travel has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, as countries around the world imposed travel restrictions and border closures. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates a 66 percent drop in air traffic this year compared to last year.
“Air traffic … passenger is not expected to return to pre-COVID-19 levels before 2024,” Chan said, adding that it had a direct ripple effect on the economy and the sector.
Singapore’s aerospace industry “has not been spared” and has experienced declines in production, with job losses.
“But there are signs, positive signs of a gradual recovery. Some segments, such as air cargo, have continued to perform relatively well during the crisis, “he said.
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Singapore’s status as a logistics hub has been “strengthened” through the crisis, he added, due to its “forward-looking stance” and its commitment to keeping air and sea links open.
Airlines will also gradually return their fleet to service.
“The proportion of passenger jets that return (in service) has increased from 40% in April to 65% in September. And a key factor in this recovery will be the ability of many Asian countries to contain the virus, ”said Mr. Chan.
“The better we are able to do this, the faster and more sustainable our recovery will be. However, the general situation will remain fluid and uncertain for many more months ”.
Singapore will gradually open up more to air travel, based on the “observed prevalence rate” in different countries, and with established security protocols.
NEW JOBS
Airbus’ growth in Singapore has “catalyzed a whole generation” of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working in partnership with Airbus, said Mr Chan.
“It has also created a new generation of jobs for Singaporeans with much higher and more diverse aspirations,” he added.
On campus is a new Southeast Asian operation for Airbus’ digital services platform Skywise.
The Singapore-based team will participate in “exploring potential partnerships” with startups and other technology providers in the region, Airbus said in a press release.
In addition, the campus will house a branch of Airbus Leadership University, which will offer training and development programs for company employees.
When operational, the Singapore facility will complement an existing center in Beijing and offer courses to employees at Airbus offices throughout the region.
“We are fully confident that if this is the crisis of a generation, this is the worst crisis in the aviation industry,” Chan said.
“However, in the depth of this crisis, we are able to make such a strong statement and commitment to the future of this industry.
“So really, there are not many things that can stop us from growing this association and taking it to even greater heights in the future.”
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