Latest news with #CAAS
CNA
4 days ago
- CNA
NDP 2025: Flying of kites, drones not allowed in some areas on selected dates
SINGAPORE: The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) on Friday (Jun 6) said that it will be establishing temporary restricted areas over some parts of Singapore on selected days in June, July, and August. The temporary restricted areas help ensure the safety of the public and low-flying aircraft involved in aerial activities in preparation for the National Day Parade, CAAS and the parade's executive committee said in a joint news release. These areas will encompass the Padang and other parts of Singapore, extending from ground level to 2,500 feet above mean sea level. "Due to flight operational and safety requirements, the temporary restricted areas will cover most of Singapore on Saturdays and National Day," the authorities said. The restrictions will be in effect on several dates between Jun 9 and Aug 9. In the event of poor weather conditions on any of the planned dates, the reserve date of Aug 16 may also be used. "During the stated dates and times, the conduct of all aerial activities, including kite-flying, hoisting of captive balloons and flying of unmanned aircraft such as drones into and within the temporary restricted areas, is strictly prohibited, unless the required permits have been obtained from the CAAS," the authorities said. Carrying out aerial and unmanned aircraft activities in the temporary restricted areas without the required permits from CAAS is an offence. Under the Air Navigation Order, which covers aerial activities, first-time offenders may be fined up to S$20,000. Repeat offenders may be fined up to S$40,000, jailed up to 15 months, or both. Under the Air Navigation (101 – Unmanned Aircraft Operations) Regulations 2019, which covers unmanned aircraft activities, first-time offenders may be fined up to S$50,000, jailed up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to S$100,000, jailed for up to five years, or both. Other than the temporary restricted areas, existing restrictions on the conduct of aerial and unmanned aircraft activities within 5km of aerodromes, danger areas, prohibited areas, restricted areas, and protected areas remain in force. "Members of the public are reminded to check the website or the OneMap app for information on areas where the conduct of aerial activities is prohibited or requires a permit", said CAAS.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Straits Times
NDP 2025: Flying of kites, drones to be restricted on some days
The restriction on aerial activities is for the safety of the public and aircraft that will be flying at low levels. ST PHOTO: SOR LUAN NDP 2025: Flying of kites, drones to be restricted on some days SINGAPORE - Unauthorised flying of kites and drones will not be allowed over the Padang and most parts of the island on some days in June, July and August . This restriction on aerial activities during certain times is for the safety of the public and aircraft that will be flying at low levels as part of National Day Parade 2025 preparations, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said in a statement on June 6 . The temporary restricted areas, which include heartland locations such as Bedok and Jurong West , will extend from ground level to 2,500ft ( 762m) above mean sea level. The restrictions will mostly be in effect on Saturdays (June 14, June 21, June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26, Aug 2). T he other affected dates are June 9, 10 and 12. The final affected date is Aug 9 , the day of the NDP. In the event of poor weather conditions on any of the planned dates, the reserve date of Aug 16 may be used. Other aerial activities that are banned within the temporary restricted areas include the hoisting of captive balloons and the flying of unmanned aircraft, unless the required permits have been obtained from CAAS. Those found guilty of unauthorised aerial activities within the temporary restricted areas can be fined up to $20,000 for the first offence. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $40,000, jailed for up to 15 months, or both. Those found guilty of unauthorised unmanned aircraft activities can be fined up to $50,000, jailed for up to two years, or both. The punishment for subsequent offences increases to a fine of up to $100,000, a jail term of up to five years, or both. CAAS said that existing restrictions on aerial and unmanned aircraft activities within 5km of airports, danger areas, prohibited areas, restricted areas and protected areas will still be in effect. Members of the public can check the website or the OneMap app for information on areas where aerial activities are prohibited or require a permit. There will be an increase in flying activities over parts of Singapore during affected dates and times, and CAAS urges the public not to be alarmed. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
22-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Taller buildings could be allowed near Singapore airports with height restrictions review: Chee Hong Tat
SINGAPORE: Height restrictions on buildings near airports could be revised later this year, potentially paving the way for taller residential and commercial developments, said Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat on Thursday (May 22). Speaking at the 40th Singapore Business Awards at the Ritz-Carlton, Mr Chee said proposed changes could enable buildings in various areas across Singapore to be built higher - by up to 15 storeys more for residential use and up to nine storeys more for industrial and commercial purposes. He said other infrastructure and planning considerations, and more studies are needed by various agencies before final decisions are made. The change, Mr Chee said, will support further land intensification, which he described as important because of the scarcity of land in Singapore. 'This will help to open up opportunities for businesses and have the potential to increase our overall housing supply.' Mr Chee said the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has been working with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to explore freeing up airspace around airports for developments. "The revised requirements resulting from this task force's work will come into effect internationally from August," he said. CAAS said on Thursday that this is the first time the ICAO has reviewed its height restriction requirements since the 1950s. "Technological advancements in navigation equipment capabilities and aircraft avionics, together with the emergence of instrument flight procedures, have enabled modern aircraft to operate more precisely in lesser airspace," CAAS said, adding that this potentially allows for more airspace to be freed up for other uses. This was Mr Chee's final address as transport minister before his move to the Ministry of National Development. During his speech, he also gave updates on other infrastructure improvements. FASTER BUS SHELTER CONSTRUCTION Mr Chee announced that the time needed to construct bus shelters has been shortened significantly – from 14 weeks to just four weeks. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has streamlined the approval processes for street works and adopted modular construction methods to speed up installation. Later this year, LTA will expand its vehicle parking proposal and plans lodgement scheme to include additions and alterations work at car parks in residential, commercial and mixed developments. Under the new system, work can now begin immediately upon lodgement instead of waiting up to three weeks for approval. On maritime transport, Mr Chee said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has developed a "digital twin" to monitor vessel movements, port activities and weather conditions in real time. 'For businesses, we hope this can translate to greater operational efficiency, predictability and resilience. For instance, shipping companies can now benefit from real-time visibility of port traffic and operations and take steps to reduce waiting times and operating costs.' SINGAPORE AS A TRUSTED BUSINESS HUB Mr Chee also addressed the broader global economic climate, noting that Singapore faces a more turbulent and uncertain global environment, significantly different from the previous world order. 'The world has become more arbitrary and more protectionist. It is not the same rules-based, multi-lateral global order that enabled a small and open economy like Singapore to thrive,' Mr Chee said. Trust and reliability have become more valuable, and Mr Chee highlighted Singapore's position as a stable and dependable base for long-term investment. He cited DHL's recent launch of its new Pharma Hub in Singapore as an example of international confidence in Singapore as a logistics and business hub. However, as uncertainty continues, 'doubling down on this critical strength will be key to strengthening Singapore's competitiveness in the next phase of our economic growth'. Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of deepening trade links beyond just major economies like the US. The United States currently accounts for 13 per cent of global imports and is the world's largest importer, Mr Chee said. "It is the 800-pound gorilla, as some US government leaders described themselves, but it is not the only gorilla around. There are also other gorillas and great apes, and though they may weigh less than 800 pounds individually. But collectively, their combined weight is actually much more than 800 pounds.'
Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Review of building height limits near airports among rule changes to boost S'pore's competitiveness
The move could open up opportunities for businesses and have the potential to increase the overall housing supply. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Review of building height limits near airports among rule changes to boost S'pore's competitiveness SINGAPORE – Buildings located around airports in Singapore can soon be built to a greater height – potentially up to 15 storeys taller if they are residential, and up to nine storeys taller if they are industrial or commercial. The revised limits, set to take effect from August, are the result of a review by an international task force formed in 2015 and chaired by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) since 2017 . The move could open up opportunities for businesses and have the potential to increase the overall housing supply that will benefit more Singaporeans, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said on May 22. It is one example of 'pro-enterprise' rule changes being made in the transport sector and beyond to help businesses here to reduce costs and red tape, make better use of scarce resources , said Mr Chee, who is also Second Finance Minister. Speaking at the 40th edition of the Singapore Business Awards, he said reviewing such rules and processes will improve Singapore's productivity and competitiveness. This is one area that the Government is focusing on as a response to global uncertainty and a more arbitrary and protectionist world, added Mr Chee, who will be appointed National Development Minister on May 23 as part of the new Cabinet line-up. Former top public servant Jeffrey Siow will take over as Acting Transport Minister. Other areas of focus include strengthening Singapore's position as a trusted business hub, and improving links with like-minded economies and companies, such as its Asean neighbours. On the raising of height limits around airports, Mr Chee said the existing requirements were set in the 1950s by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency overseeing global aviation standards and practices. Since then, there have been technological advancements in aircraft and air navigation systems, which have enabled modern aircraft to operate more precisely. This prompted a review of the height requirements by an ICAO task force chaired by CAAS to allow for more airspace around airports to be freed up for developments, while still ensuring safety. In Singapore, various agencies will need to do more studies to confirm the increase in building height restrictions, Mr Chee said. The actual benefits will also depend on other infrastructural and planning considerations. Still, the rule change is key, as it will support further land intensification in land-scarce Singapore, Mr Chee added. On the land transport front, the minister noted how the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has reduced the time needed to build bus shelters here from 14 weeks to four weeks, by streamlining approval processes and using prefabricated parts that can be assembled quickly on-site. Mr Chee said he has asked LTA to apply the same approach to developers and contractors working on other public and private projects. Later in 2025, LTA will also make changes to the way it handles applications for renovation works to residential and commercial car parks, so that work can start immediately instead of needing to wait at least three weeks for approval. At sea, the development of a 'digital twin' of the Port of Singapore enables shipping companies to see in real time traffic and operations at the port, so they can take steps to reduce waiting time and costs. A comprehensive three-dimensional map of the seabed will also allow businesses to better approach the installation of underwater cables by avoiding obstacles and potential risks, such as damaging other cables. Amid a more turbulent and uncertain global environment, Mr Chee said Singapore as a small country does not get to choose the conditions it operates in. However, it is not without agency. Citing the launch of a pharmaceutical hub by logistics giant DHL here in April, Mr Chee said building on Singapore's 'trust premium' will allow the country to better seize new opportunities and grow high-value sectors that can benefit from stability, integrity and strong governance. On the need for closer ties with the rest of the world, Mr Chee said government leaders in the United States have described the world's largest economy as an 800-pound gorilla. But the minister said there are other 'gorillas' and 'great apes' around who may weigh less individually, but add up to more than 800 pounds collectively. This is why Singapore will work towards rolling out more bilateral and multilateral agreements, and continue to bring down or eliminate trade and non-trade barriers where possible, Mr Chee added, noting the efforts to upgrade the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement. Under the trade pact, in force since 2010, six of the 10 Asean member states, including Singapore, have scrapped almost all import duties. The other four members have reduced import levies to 5 per cent and lower on 99 per cent of products under tariff. 'Asean needs to speed up our economic integration efforts within our region and also with other partner economies. I don't think we have a choice. This is not the time to take our time and slow down,' he added. Mr Chee said he will continue to make it a priority for his ministry, whether in national development or transport, to help business reduce costs and do well, by empowering government officers to take calculated risks and supporting ground-up ideas. He added: 'This is not just an exercise to think of what new things to do. 'It is also about instilling the discipline of taking a hard look at what existing initiatives we should stop, what red tape we can cut, and how we can operate more efficiently, so that if we can save time and save money, we can pass through some of these savings to you, our businesses.' The annual Singapore Business Awards is organised by The Business Times and DHL to recognise local business leaders who have made a difference in their industries. The 2025 edition was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore hotel, with awards given out in five categories: Businessman of the Year, Outstanding Chief Executive of the Year, Outstanding Overseas Executive of the Year, the Enterprise Award and Young Business Leader of the Year. Kok Yufeng is a transport correspondent at The Straits Times. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
China Automotive Systems secures first European R-EPS order
China Automotive Systems' (CAAS) subsidiary Jingzhou Henglong has secured its first R-EPS product order from a prominent European automobile manufacturer, marking a significant advancement in the company's global expansion strategy. The order, valued at over $100m in annual sales, will cater to various models of the client's vehicles, with mass production slated to commence by 2027. CAAS said, rack assist type electric power steering (R-EPS) systems are increasingly becoming standard for mid-to-high-end vehicles due to their reliability, efficiency, and swift response. Jingzhou Henglong's increased R&D investment in R-EPS has led to technological breakthroughs in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), steering quality, and other performance characteristics, the company said in a news release. The use of CAAS' proprietary ball screw in assembly ensures product quality while optimising costs. CAAS' in-house developed electronic control units have enhanced network security and functional safety, minimising the risk of hardware failure through improved algorithm control. These advancements have resulted in steering performance that meets or surpasses customer expectations. CAAS CEO Qizhou Wu said: "This first order from a major European automobile OEM further expands our global footprint and acknowledges the growing value of our high-technology EPS products. "We are expanding our R-EPS annual production capacity to reach 250,000 units in 2025 and is expected to exceed 1 million units by 2030 to meet the increasing demand by a number of automobile OEMs." CAAS, headquartered in Hubei Province, is a leading supplier of power steering components and systems in the Chinese automotive market. The company operates through 16 Sino-foreign joint ventures and wholly owned subsidiaries, offering a wide range of steering system parts for passenger and commercial vehicles. With an annual production capacity exceeding eight million sets, CAAS provides four distinct series of power steering gears, columns, and hoses. "China Automotive Systems secures first European R-EPS order" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
