Singapore issues tender to develop a UTM system

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will develop an Unmanned Aircraft Traffic Management System (UTMS) to provide an “integrated, one-stop portal” for the approval and tracking of all uncrewed aerial system (UAS) operations in Singapore. 

On 12 December 2024, CAAS published a tender calling for proposals to develop the new system. Interested companies with expertise in UTMS, air traffic management system, software development and proven track records in developing and implementing complex aviation systems are encouraged to submit their proposals to CAAS by 31 January 2025.

The UTMS will provide a portal for UAS users to register a UAS, apply for UAS operator and activity permits and pilot licences, and provide the location of their UAS in flight. The UTMS will also allow government agencies (including CAAS, the Singapore Police Force, The Republic of Singapore Air Force, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, PUB, and the National Parks Board) to access and assess these applications on a single platform. These functions are currently performed via five disparate digital systems, which CAAS says require multiple and duplicative data entry and data transfer. “The consolidation and integration of all regulatory functions onto one single platform will streamline application processes and improve user experiences.” the agency adds. “It will also speed up regulatory approvals as multiple government agencies can access and assess the application simultaneously, and exchange information on the availability of airspace and the imposition of restrictions such as no-fly zones.” 

The portal will come with a user-friendly interface and can be accessed via the web or a mobile application. 

The UTMS will provide agencies and UAS users with real-time situational awareness of both commercial and recreational UAS operations. This will allow agencies more effective detection and enforcement against non-cooperative UAS, for example a UAS which has not been registered and non-conforming UAS, such as a UAS operating out of its approved area or time. For UAS users, it will provide real-time information on all UA operations within their areas of operation. 

With the real-time information on UAS operations provided by the new system, CAAS says it and the other government agencies would be able to better deconflict crewed and uncrewed aircraft, and between uncrewed aircraft operations. 

“Coupled with the feature to provide real-time notifications to UAS users, the use of our airspace could be further optimised while ensuring public and aviation safety, and security,” CAAS says. “Data collected will allow agencies to identify low-risk locations where approval for use could be provided on an expedited basis. This will greatly reduce the permit processing time for applications that are considered less complex.”