Singapore and France have signed a new Enhanced Framework Agreement to strengthen civil aviation ties, aiming to enhance connectivity, safety, and innovation between the two global air hubs. The agreement was exchanged on May 30, 2025, during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Singapore, by Singapore’s Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow and France’s Minister for the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, Eric Lombard.
Signed by Mr. Han Kok Juan, Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and Mr. Damien Cazé, Director-General of France’s Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC), the agreement expands on a 1998 Technical Cooperation Agreement. It covers key areas including safety and security, air traffic management, environmental sustainability, training, and aviation innovation.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
Enhanced Connectivity: With over 583,000 passenger movements between Singapore and Paris in 2024 (a 36% increase from 2019) and 169,000 in the first four months of 2025, the agreement supports growing travel demand. Singapore Airlines and Air France operate 24 weekly flights between the two cities.
Ecosystem Collaboration: The agreement involves not only CAAS and DGAC but also private sector companies and training institutions, fostering innovation and business opportunities.
Training Initiatives: CAAS’s Singapore Aviation Academy and DGAC’s École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile will jointly deliver an Advanced Master in Air Transport Management for Pacific Small Island Developing States.
Annual Dialogues: Singapore and France will hold regular discussions, alternating between the two countries, to advance aviation cooperation.
Avionics Innovation: CAAS and Thales will establish an International Avionics Lab in Singapore in 2026 to develop and test new air traffic management and airport operation solutions.
Mr. Han Kok Juan stated, “This agreement underscores our commitment to elevating aviation ties with France, enhancing connectivity for travelers, and creating new opportunities for our aviation sectors.” Mr. Damien Cazé added, “This partnership strengthens our collaboration with Singapore, a leader in aviation innovation, and supports sustainable development in air transport.”
The agreement is part of a broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Singapore and France, which also includes cooperation in maritime, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations.