Watch Here to Learn How Aviation Jobs Are Redesigned Now
Speaking to reporters during a tour of the Airbus Singapore Campus in Seletar Aerospace Park, then-Minister of Transport Chee Hong Tat was bullish about Singapore’s aviation industry.
After all, at point of speaking in May 2025, the sector employed about 36,000 workers, which had crossed levels recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic.
And there’s much more room to grow, as Minister Chee said that Singapore should not stand still between now and the completion of Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5), which has just begun construction and is expected to be completed in the mid-2030s.
Creation of jobs in Singapore’s aviation sector in the coming decade
David Blasco, Country Director at Randstad Singapore, believes that there is excitement about the construction of T5 and the type of jobs it will create across roles and industries that will benefit Singaporeans.
He said: “The jobs that will be created will range from quantity surveyors and compliance officers to aviation engineers and learning and development specialists.”
There are typically three broad phases in infrastructure projects, and the workforce skills and size needed will depend on the project scale and complexity.
David explained: “The sub-structural phase focuses on foundations and below-ground works, driving demand for quantity surveyors, cost controllers, and site supervisors. The superstructure phase, which builds the above-ground framework, calls for structural and civil engineers, as well as schedulers.”
“The final design phase covers both exterior and interior elements, creating opportunities for architects and interior designers and, given T5’s focus on greenery, landscape architects for both indoor and outdoor spaces.”
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After construction, some workers will transition to facility maintenance, while airlines, engineering firms, retailers, and the airport itself will ramp up hiring across sales, marketing, legal, security, engineering, and technology to support operations.
“A standout feature of T5 is its emphasis on sustainability and climate resilience. With advanced technologies, green building practices, and features like rooftop solar and sustainable aviation fuel infrastructure, T5 not only reduces resource consumption but also aligns with Singapore’s and airlines’ sustainability goals.”
Talent scarcity remains a challenge in the aviation industry, but that means opportunity
Despite the increase in employment numbers mentioned by Minister Chee, skills gaps in the Singapore workforce persist in the face of digitalisation. This will have a direct impact on operations and management.
As data and digital technologies become more integral, further investments to hire and upskill digital capabilities is essential.
At the same time, the industry faces rising operating costs and pressure on profit margins, particularly as airlines pursue more sustainable operations and green energy solutions.
Given that T5 will be a digital-first terminal, technology roles in the industry will span data analytics, programming, robotics, AI, IoT tracking, digital twins, and cybersecurity — reflecting the industry’s digital transformation, David believes.
This shift also creates demand for new roles such as crisis strategists to anticipate and manage new and complex digital challenges.
T5’s digital focus will spur hiring not only within the airport but also among tech solution providers. These would include data centres, biometrics and cryptography firms, and AI companies supporting services from immigration to flight tracking.
For existing IT professionals with transferable skills, they can deepen their expertise in aviation and supply chain technologies, while those currently in the industry can upskill in AI, IoT, and cybersecurity to stay relevant, he advises.
Minister Chee concluded that the Singapore’s aviation industry should be ready to seize opportunities that may arise. They can do so by strengthening partnerships, deploying technology for better efficiency and upskilling workers for new jobs. He also believes Singaporeans shouldn’t be too pessimistic about the challenges, despite the current economic climate.
“We do have agency. We do have value that we can bring to the table – building on our strengths, our ability to plan long term, our pro-business and stable environment, our trusted brand name, and, importantly, our strong tripartite partnership.”
