Poppy Khoza discussed aviation resilience, technology and cooperation during her Singapore visit.
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Director-General and Chief Executive Officer Ms. Poppy Khoza visited the South African High Commission in Singapore for a courtesy engagement with the High Commissioner, where they discussed opportunities for South Africa–Singapore cooperation in civil aviation. The discussions covered skills development, innovation, technology, border-control automation and the wider transport ecosystem.
Ms. Khoza was in Singapore at the invitation of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), which conferred on her the distinction of Senior Fellow of the Singapore Aviation Academy. The recognition acknowledged her leadership and contribution to civil aviation and followed other international recognition, including the Flight Safety Foundation’s Gloria Heath Trophy.
On 17 September 2026, Ms. Khoza also participated in a fireside chat as part of the inaugural NTA Distinguished Speakers Series. The session was moderated by Mr. Bernard Lim, Senior Director of the International Relations and Security Division and Vice Dean of the National Transport Academy. The South African High Commission attended the session in support of Ms. Khoza and to engage in discussions on the future of aviation.
The discussion examined whether aviation could withstand the geopolitical turbulence of the present period, given the sector’s dependence on open air routes, shared safety and regulatory standards, secure supply chains, reliable infrastructure and international coordination.
Ms. Khoza emphasised the importance of agility, preparedness and institutional capacity, noting that temporary disruptions should not become permanent vulnerabilities. She also highlighted the role of digitalisation, real-time data exchange, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, automation and integrated air-traffic and airport systems in managing risks and maintaining operational continuity.
South Africa currently ranks eighth globally and first in Africa for aviation safety, with an International Civil Aviation Organization compliance score of 95.12%. SACAA has also maintained more than four decades without a fatal accident involving a scheduled commercial passenger airline.
Serving her third term as SACAA Director-General, Ms. Khoza previously became the first woman to serve as Chairperson of ICAO. The High Commission congratulated her on her recognition as a Senior Fellow of the Singapore Aviation Academy and welcomed continued South Africa–Singapore cooperation in civil aviation, including improved connectivity between the two countries as gateways to their respective regions.
Source: South African High Commission in Singapore
