Singapore  - The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said on Tuesday that its functions will be split between two new companies from July 1 as part of corporatization and restructuring of its existing airport setup.

The restructured CAAS (NewCAA) will be the regulator, driving the regulatory functions including aviation safety and airworthiness. It will also provide air traffic services, conduct international relations, partner government bodies like the Economic Development Board in the promotion and development of the aviation industry and Singapore as an air hub.

The new airport company (NewCo) will be the airport operator and undertake operational functions focusing on airport operations and management, operations and airport emergency services. It will also take charge of investments in foreign airports, said the CAAS.

Of the current 1,800 CAAS staff, 1,200 have been assigned to NewCAA and 600 to NewCo. CAAS said it will be recruiting more than 400 professionals to fill in positions in the two companies.

"The objective of corporatization is to enhance Changi Airport's competitiveness and strengthen our aviation hub status," said CAAS director general and chief executive officer Lim Kim Choon. (dpa)