On 25 June 2026, the air navigation service providers of Singapore and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to establish a structured framework for cooperation to meet rising demand for air travel. Global air passenger volume is projected to nearly triple over the next 25 years, with Asia-Pacific and the Middle East as key regions of growth. Under this framework, the parties will share experience and expertise and jointly develop new capabilities to improve traffic flows between the two regions and countries. The MOC was signed by Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Eng Abdulaziz Al‑Zaid, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS) and Eng Khalid Attiah, Chief Executive Officer of NERA Advanced Commercial Services (NERA), a subsidiary of SANS, in Singapore, on the side of CEO SANS’s and CEO NERA’s visit to CAAS.
Under the MOC, CAAS, SANS and NERA will establish a structured method-machine-man framework for cooperation across various areas:
Strategic Cooperation (Method):
Advance collaborative regional air traffic management (ATM) in support of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) requirement to implement global minimum capabilities for ANS modernisation by 2035, under the ICAO Minimum Implementation Path. This includes collaboration in Time-Based Flow Management and Air Traffic Flow Management, encompassing regional traffic analysis and forecasting, as well as the development of joint strategies and information-sharing mechanisms to optimise ATM operations. It also includes initiatives to enable technologies, testbeds and innovation pilots for the safe and efficient integration of advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft system traffic management into the aviation system, as well as the exchange of operational experience.
Technology Development and Innovation (Machine):
Explore, develop and implement interoperable technologies and solutions to strengthen operation capabilities for ANS, including joint design and deployment of systems, co‑development of application maintenance and system health monitoring solutions, establishment of innovation laboratories and the exchange of good practices relating to the procurement of ATM systems. This encompasses the planning and implementation of System Wide Information Management and Flight & Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment.
Human Capital and Organisation Development (Man):
Share experiences on organisational and workforce transformation, ANS training and development, and safety and performance management. This includes exchanges on training methodologies, safety practices, performance measurement approaches and best practices, innovation adoption and workforce transition, and the potential establishment of joint training programmes.
Aviation Sustainability:
Cooperate on aviation sustainability, including initiatives to improve operational performance and exchange knowledge and good practices.
Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General, CAAS, said, “This partnership is a major step-up in Singapore-Saudi Arabia collaboration in air navigation services provision, to co-develop interoperable capabilities and enhance air traffic flow between our two regions and countries.”
Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Zaid, Chief Executive Officer of SANS, said, “This cooperation marks an important milestone in advancing the future of air navigation services through innovation, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration. By partnering with CAAS and NERA, we are creating new opportunities to develop future-ready capabilities that enhance airspace efficiency, operational resilience, and sustainability. This collaboration reflects our commitment to our future vision and to strengthen our position as a leading global aviation hub.”
Eng. Khalid Attiah, Chief Executive Officer, NERA, said, “This cooperation represents an important milestone in NERA’s journey to advance aviation technology. As the aviation sector moves towards greater digitalization, automation and operational integration, NERA is committed to developing and deploying innovative, reliable, and interoperable solutions that support safer, more efficient, and more sustainable airspace operations. By working closely with CAAS and SANS, our collaboration brings together operational expertise and advanced technology capabilities to accelerate the adoption of next-generation ANS concepts, enhance operational efficiency and connectivity, and support the continued evolution of air traffic management.”
