At Changi Airport, a team of highly trained Airport Emergency Service (AES) officers stand ready 24/7, to protect and save lives in the event of any incidents. Our AES officers train for different situations to ensure that the fire safety standards across Changi Airport, Seletar Airport and the RSAF airbases are maintained.

From conducting exercises, executing aerodrome safety plans, to planning emergency response for large-scale events, the team is poised to handle emergencies within the airport vicinity, and are committed to saving lives.

With the opening of Changi Airport, AES established a sea rescue base to provide effective response for incidents at sea, as per ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) recommendation. The first batch of staff was equipped with two rescue and firefighting vessels, supported by two rigid-hulled inflatable boats. The top speed for the first-generation vessels was 20 knots, with a maximum passenger load of 12.

Over the years, because of the large mudflats in AES’ operating terrain, the airport acquired hovercrafts, as these vessels could navigate both deep and shallow waters. Not only could they travel faster than the first-generation vessels, they also had enough room for 50 passengers, greatly improving operational performance.

Fast forward to the present, as the operating terrain has continued to evolve, the dependency for hovercrafts significantly reduced. As the time came to replace the existing fleet, AES decided to do away with the hovercrafts. The new vessels selected have a uniform top speed of 40 knots, improved firefighting, rescue and search capabilities, as well as higher holding capacity of passengers. Commissioned in September 2024, the three new types of vessels - Command Craft, Fast Craft and Landing Craft, made their operational debut at CAG’s annual crisis simulation exercise, ‘Exercise Bobcat’ this year.

Command Craft

The new Command Craft replaces the previous craft, bringing improved capabilities for managing command and control operations of the crash site. As the dedicated vessel for the on-scene coordinator, it serves as a hub for coordinating rescue efforts during emergencies. With a capacity of three crew and 12 passengers, the new Command Craft offers enhanced communication systems and operational efficiency, ensuring better coordination and oversight during critical incidents.

Fast Craft

Functioning as the workhorse of the fleet, the Fast Craft replaces the rigid inflatable boat, improving the speed and agility of rescue operations. The Fast Craft is also capable of performing firefighting, surface rescue, and casualty conveyance with greater efficiency. With a capacity of 19 passengers, almost doubling that of the previous craft, the Fast Craft is a vital component of the fleet, offering greater speed and versatility for rapid-response operations.

Landing Craft

The new Landing Craft  is the replacement for the previous hovercraft. When selecting this vessel, it was determined that the Landing Craft should have the same core functions as the hovercraft, including firefighting and casualty management, with the added capability of being able to be beached.

These features make the new Landing Craft more versatile for rescue operations in the current operational terrain, playing a crucial role in strengthening the fleet's overall emergency response capabilities.

Mr Andrew Ong, Deputy Commander, Civil, AES, shared, “Safety is a top priority for Changi Airport. Through investing in new equipment, technology and innovation, CAG ensures that the search and rescue capabilities of our Airport Emergency Service remain high, and can be counted on to make a positive difference when the unexpected happens.”