Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Singapore and France have taken a significant step towards enhancing their aviation collaboration with the introduction of a new Enhanced Framework Agreement. Announced during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Singapore in May 2025, this agreement aims to bolster connectivity between the two nations, both of which serve as pivotal air travel hubs for their respective regions. The deal promises to deepen bilateral cooperation, making it easier for businesses and travelers to move between the two countries, and further solidifying their positions as key players in global aviation.
In a significant move aimed at enhancing connectivity between two of the world’s foremost aviation hubs, Singapore and France have formalized a new partnership in civil aviation. The announcement, made on 30 May 2025 during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Singapore, paves the way for more robust cooperation between the two nations, reinforcing their positions as critical gateways for international air travel.
The strengthened partnership was solidified through the signing of a new Enhanced Framework Agreement by Mr. Jeffrey Siow, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance of Singapore, and Mr. Eric Lombard, Minister for the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty of France. The agreement was formally executed by the respective civil aviation authorities: Mr. Han Kok Juan, Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and Mr. Damien Cazé, Director-General of the Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC) of France. This agreement aims to foster more profound collaboration and deeper ties, ultimately facilitating greater people-to-people and business exchanges between Singapore and France.
Enhancing Aviation Connectivity Between Singapore and France
As key global aviation hubs for the Asia-Pacific and European regions, Singapore and France are well-positioned to benefit from a growing demand for air travel. According to recent data, the number of passengers traveling between Singapore and Paris surpassed 583,000 in 2024—marking an impressive 36% increase compared to 2019. In the first four months of 2025 alone, over 169,000 passengers have already made the journey between these two cities. The continuous growth in demand for air travel between Singapore and Paris underlines the importance of these countries’ aviation sectors in fostering economic growth and strengthening bilateral ties.
To meet the increasing demand, Singapore Airlines and Air France have collaborated to offer a combined total of 24 weekly flights between Singapore and Paris. This enhanced frequency ensures that passengers benefit from greater flexibility and convenience when traveling between the two cities, cementing their role as vital air travel partners.
Key Focus Areas of the Enhanced Framework Agreement
The Enhanced Framework Agreement marks a significant shift from previous collaborations, offering a much broader and more comprehensive approach to civil aviation cooperation. Three key areas stand out in the expanded agreement:
- Expanded Areas of Cooperation: The agreement goes beyond the previous 1998 Technical Cooperation Agreement, which was solely focused on technical matters related to aviation. The new framework includes comprehensive collaboration across several key aviation sectors, such as safety and security, air traffic management, environmental sustainability, training and education, and aviation innovation. These expanded areas of focus will enhance the operational efficiency of both countries’ aviation sectors while fostering a shared commitment to addressing emerging challenges in aviation.
- Ecosystem-to-Ecosystem Collaboration: In a bid to create more inclusive and sustainable partnerships, the Enhanced Framework Agreement emphasizes ecosystem-to-ecosystem collaboration. This innovative approach encourages cooperation not only between the civil aviation authorities but also involves private sector companies and training institutions from both countries. By aligning their strengths and expertise, Singapore and France will be able to tap into new opportunities for growth, innovation, and workforce development. A prime example of this is the collaborative initiative between the Singapore Aviation Academy and the École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile, which will jointly deliver an Advanced Master in Air Transport Management. This course is specifically tailored for Pacific Small Island Developing States, enhancing the skill sets of future leaders in aviation.
- Ongoing Dialogue and Future Developments: To ensure the continued success of this partnership, CAAS and DGAC will hold annual dialogues, alternating between Singapore and France. These dialogues will serve as a platform for the two countries to evaluate the progress of their cooperation, share best practices, and discuss emerging issues in the aviation sector. By fostering regular communication and collaboration, the partnership ensures that it remains responsive to the dynamic and evolving needs of global aviation.
A Vision for the Future of Civil Aviation
The strengthened aviation partnership between Singapore and France highlights their shared vision of advancing global air transport through innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. With the aviation industry rapidly evolving in the face of new challenges—such as environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and the ongoing need for enhanced safety protocols—this agreement represents a forward-thinking approach that addresses these critical areas.
For both Singapore and France, the new Enhanced Framework Agreement is not just about improving air travel between the two nations; it is about positioning themselves at the forefront of global aviation. By strengthening cooperation in these key sectors, both countries are poised to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the growing demand for international air travel and remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected world.
This collaboration also sets an example for other nations on how to build a comprehensive, mutually beneficial aviation partnership. With both countries committed to expanding their aviation cooperation, this strengthened alliance is bound to have a lasting impact on the future of global aviation connectivity.
Singapore and France have strengthened their aviation ties with the signing of an Enhanced Framework Agreement, announced during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit in May 2025. This agreement aims to improve connectivity and facilitate smoother travel and business exchanges between the two nations, reinforcing their roles as major global aviation hubs.
In conclusion, the new aviation agreement between Singapore and France signals an important step forward in the evolution of their aviation sectors. Through a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach, this partnership will not only boost air travel connectivity but also foster innovation and sustainability, ensuring that both nations continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global air transport.
