Aviation enthusiasts and photographers were in for an unforgettable experience as Changi Airport Group (CAG) hosted a special SkyWatcher event at Seletar Airport, bringing together a passionate community of plane spotters and aviation enthusiasts eager to capture stunning aircraft movements up close.
Unlike the previous SkyWatcher event at Changi Airport, this exclusive event at Seletar offered a fresh perspective on Singapore’s secondary airport, where the quieter yet equally fascinating world of private jets and regional turboprops took centre stage. Attendees enjoyed privileged airside access and insightful interactions with industry professionals. More than just a plane-spotting group, SkyWatcher continues to grow as a thriving community where aviation passion takes flight, making this event a truly special experience at Seletar Airport.
Exclusive Jet Aviation Hangar Tour: A look inside a Global MRO Leader
The day began with a lively gathering at Seletar Airport’s arrival hall, where aviation enthusiasts and photographers, came together for an exciting day ahead. The CAG SkyWatcher team set the tone with a warm welcome, a briefing on the itinerary, and light refreshments before leading the group to the first highlight of the event—a rare behind-the-scenes tour of Jet Aviation, one of the world’s most prestigious business aviation service providers.
As a global leader in business aviation services, Jet Aviation has been at the forefront of aircraft maintenance, charter services, completions, and fixed-base operations (FBO) for over 50 years. Founded in 1967 in Basel, Switzerland, the company now operates more than 50 locations worldwide and is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, which also owns Gulfstream Aerospace. The Jet Aviation Singapore facility, established in 1995 at Seletar Aerospace Park, serves as its Asia-Pacific (APAC) headquarters, providing essential Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services to a diverse clientele ranging from corporate jets to special mission aircraft.
Attendees of the SkyWatcher tour were given an exclusive look at Jet Aviation’s state-of-the-art Seletar hangar, witnessing highly skilled technicians performing complex maintenance, full-scale refurbishments, and aircraft customizations. The opportunity to observe aircraft in various stages of servicing highlighted the precision and expertise required in private aviation, further solidifying Jet Aviation Singapore’s role as a critical hub for business aviation in APAC. Positioned at Seletar Airport, the facility continues to set industry standards, offering world-class aircraft solutions tailored to the evolving needs of private and corporate operators in the region.
A Rare Airside Experience
One of the most exclusive and thrilling parts of the CAG SkyWatcher event at Seletar Airport was the rare airside experience. Stepping beyond the passenger terminals and into the heart of an airport’s operations is a privilege few get to enjoy. This unique tour gave attendees an insider’s look at critical infrastructure, specialized training facilities, and aircraft movements that keep Seletar running efficiently.
The first stop was the Compass Swing Bay, an essential facility for aircraft navigation calibration. A compass swing ensures that an aircraft’s magnetic compass is accurately aligned with the Earth's magnetic field—an often overlooked but vital procedure for precise navigation. This process is particularly important for smaller aircraft, which rely heavily on magnetic headings. The calibration takes place in a dedicated area free from magnetic interference, where the aircraft’s onboard compass is adjusted to match actual directional readings. Even the smallest misalignment can impact flight accuracy, demonstrating just how crucial precision is in aviation.
Next, the group visited the “Brown Bird”, a full-scale private jet mock-up used by Airport Emergency Services (AES) for realistic firefighter training. This facility plays a critical role in preparing AES personnel for emergencies, replicating the challenges of a real-life aircraft evacuation. Firefighters train under intense conditions, using life-sized 80kg dummies to simulate unconscious passengers. They must navigate smoke-filled cabins, confined spaces, and emergency escape scenarios—a sobering yet fascinating insight into the rigorous preparation needed to handle aviation emergencies.
As the tour continued, attendees were driven around Seletar’s airside, providing a firsthand look at the companies that call Seletar home. This segment showcased the airport’s role as a key hub for business aviation, aircraft maintenance, and pilot training in the APAC region. Some of the major aviation organizations based here include ST Engineering (offering MRO services and recently licensed for the A320 and A321 Passenger-to-Freighter conversions), Bombardier (another key MRO provider), and Singapore Youth Flying Club (SYFC), where aspiring young pilots take their first steps into aviation.
A particularly nostalgic highlight was passing by the old Seletar Airport terminal, which once served as the main hub for regional flights before being replaced by the current terminal in 2018. For long-time aviation enthusiasts, it was a chance to reminisce about the early days of Seletar, when operations were simpler yet just as exciting.
Adding to the uniqueness of Seletar is its air traffic control (ATC) tower, which is integrated with the AES fire station—an uncommon but highly efficient design. Unlike most airports, where the control tower is a standalone structure, Seletar’s ATC tower is built directly above the fire station, ensuring rapid coordination between air traffic controllers and emergency personnel. This innovative approach maximizes safety while optimizing space, reinforcing Seletar’s reputation as a highly efficient yet compact airport.
Witnessing Seletar’s Unique Traffic
To wrap up the airside experience, the final stop was a Planespotting session, offering attendees a rare opportunity to observe Seletar Airport’s air traffic up close. Unlike Changi Airport, Seletar operates on a smaller scale, yet it boasts a unique blend of flight training, private jet movements, and regional turboprop operations.
Participants had the chance to witness student pilots from the Singapore Youth Flying Club (SYFC) and Seletar Flying College (SFC) performing touch-and-go landings and other training manoeuvres, demonstrating the crucial role Seletar plays in pilot development and training. Alongside the training flights, sleek private jets were seen arriving and departing from the airport, catering to business aviation clientele. Adding to the variety, Firefly ATR 72-500 turboprops operated scheduled regional flights between Seletar and Subang, Malaysia.
For aviation photographers, this was a golden opportunity to capture take offs, landings, and taxiing aircraft up close. While the volume of traffic at Seletar is lower than at major international airports, the sight of elegant business jets, student pilots mastering their craft, and regional turboprop flights made for an exciting and memorable session. The late afternoon saw a noticeable uptick in private jet operations, injecting a sense of energy and excitement as attendees wrapped up their day of aviation adventure.
A Truly Special Aviation Experience
The rare airside tour at Seletar Airport was undoubtedly the highlight of the CAG SkyWatcher event, granting attendees a rare behind-the-scenes look at an airport’s inner workings. From understanding aircraft navigation calibration and emergency response training to visiting leading aerospace companies and witnessing aircraft operations up close, the experience provided a deeper appreciation of Seletar’s role in Singapore’s aviation landscape.
A key observation during the Planespotting session was the relatively low volume of aircraft movements for most of the day, as Seletar primarily caters to private jets, charters, and flight training. The quieter pace was a stark contrast to the bustle of Changi Airport, making Planespotting at Seletar a more relaxed affair. Much of the activity consisted of student pilots from SYFC and SFC honing their skills, which, while interesting, lacked the dynamic variety of a commercial hub.
However, as the afternoon progressed, the tempo shifted noticeably. Private jet operations picked up, and the arrival and departure of sleek business jets injected new energy into the scene. The mood among participants lifted, as witnessing these high-end aircraft up close was a rare and exciting privilege. While Seletar may not have the constant flow of airliners like Changi, it offers a unique charm—one where exclusive aviation movements, flight training, and business aviation converge in a setting unlike any other in Singapore.
With so much happening beyond its terminals, Seletar Airport is far more than just a secondary airport—it is a vibrant hub of aviation excellence, training, and innovation. As the event concluded, attendees left with a newfound admiration for the aviation industry and, of course, plenty of photographs capturing the magic of Seletar Airport.
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