Paya Lebar Airbase
Encyclopedia
Paya Lebar Air Base is a military airbase of the Republic of Singapore Air Force
located at Paya Lebar
, in the central-eastern part of Singapore
, the airbase goes by the motto of "Strength Through Readiness".
Originally built in 1955 as Singapore International Airport to replace Kallang Airport
, control of the airport was transferred to RSAF in 1980 when it was promptly renamed as Paya Lebar Air Base following the relocation of the civilian airport to Changi
.
in 1958, using a DC-4 leased from Qantas
, flying to Hong Kong. Turboprops were introduced over the next few years, and the name was changed to Malaysian Airways.
In 1962 a joint RAF/Singapore civil Air Traffic Control service was formed to provide Military cover for Air Defence. During that time Britannia aircraft of British Eagle provided transport for UK military. Comet 4C's were common traffic and the new VC10 arrived reducing flight time, (using UK and Singapore time it was theoretically possible to land before it had taken off) rather than the 24hrs-with stops- of the Britannia.
In 1966, the company focused more on Singapore, buying Boeing 707
s, headquartering itself in that country, and renaming itself Malaysia-Singapore Airlines - with a notable fluorescent yellow livery. Its primary hub became Paya Lebar, and services began to reach out further into North Asia
.
From 1979 to 1980, British Airways, in conjunction with Singapore Airlines, began supersonic Concorde
services from London's Heathrow Airport, to Paya Lebar Singapore.
Malaysia-Singapore Airlines
was dissolved in 1972; Malaysia Airlines
and Singapore Airlines
was formed - keeping all the above 707s; and Singapore Airlines
remained at Paya Lebar. But passenger numbers rose from 1.7 million to 4 million between 1970 and 1975. The airport was constrained by housing estates and although some work was done to keep it operational in the meantime, construction began on the present Singapore International Airport at Changi in 1975, opening in 1981. Paya Lebar then closed to civil traffic, and Changi took over Paya Lebar's IATA code of SIN.
flights, Ministry of Defence
charter flights and foreign military aircraft
. It became a complete military airbase
in 1981 when Singapore Changi Airport
was opened and was subsequently renamed as Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) on the same year.
and the upgraded AMRAAM capable F-5S/T Tiger IIs.
The Flying squadrons are:
The Support Squadrons are:
and United States Navy
(including United States Marine Corps Aviation
) as a refuelling stopover and staging post/transit point, the base is also used permanently by the 497th Combat Training Squadron
for other flight operations since 31st October 1991.
was present for another aerobatic display to thrill the crowds.
Paya Lebar Air Base (Simplified Chinese: 巴耶利峇空军基地; ) is a military airbase of the Republic of Singapore Air Force
located at Paya Lebar
, in the central-eastern part of Singapore
, the airbase goes by the motto of "Strength Through Readiness".
Originally built in 1955 as Singapore International Airport to replace Kallang Airport
, control of the airport was transferred to RSAF in 1980 when it was promptly renamed as Paya Lebar Air Base following the relocation of the civilian airport to Changi
.
in 1958, using a DC-4 leased from Qantas
, flying to Hong Kong. Turboprops were introduced over the next few years, and the name was changed to Malaysian Airways.
In 1962 a joint RAF/Singapore civil Air Traffic Control service was formed to provide Military cover for Air Defence. During that time Britannia aircraft of British Eagle provided transport for UK military. Comet 4C's were common traffic and the new VC10 arrived reducing flight time, (using UK and Singapore time it was theoretically possible to land before it had taken off) rather than the 24hrs-with stops- of the Britannia.
In 1966, the company focused more on Singapore, buying Boeing 707
s, headquartering itself in that country, and renaming itself Malaysia-Singapore Airlines - with a notable fluorescent yellow livery. Its primary hub became Paya Lebar, and services began to reach out further into North Asia
.
From 1979 to 1980, British Airways, in conjunction with Singapore Airlines, began supersonic Concorde
services from London's Heathrow Airport, to Paya Lebar Singapore.
Malaysia-Singapore Airlines
was dissolved in 1972; Malaysia Airlines
and Singapore Airlines
was formed - keeping all the above 707s; and Singapore Airlines
remained at Paya Lebar. But passenger numbers rose from 1.7 million to 4 million between 1970 and 1975. The airport was constrained by housing estates and although some work was done to keep it operational in the meantime, construction began on the present Singapore International Airport at Changi in 1975, opening in 1981. Paya Lebar then closed to civil traffic, and Changi took over Paya Lebar's IATA code of SIN.
flights, Ministry of Defence
charter flights and foreign military aircraft
. It became a complete military airbase
in 1981 when Singapore Changi Airport
was opened and was subsequently renamed as Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) on the same year.
and the upgraded AMRAAM capable F-5S/T Tiger IIs.
The Flying squadrons are:
The Support Squadrons are:
and United States Navy
(including United States Marine Corps Aviation
) as a refuelling stopover and staging post/transit point, the base is also used permanently by the 497th Combat Training Squadron
for other flight operations since 31st October 1991.
was present for another aerobatic display to thrill the crowds.
Paya Lebar Air Base (Simplified Chinese: 巴耶利峇空军基地; ) is a military airbase of the Republic of Singapore Air Force
located at Paya Lebar
, in the central-eastern part of Singapore
, the airbase goes by the motto of "Strength Through Readiness".
Originally built in 1955 as Singapore International Airport to replace Kallang Airport
, control of the airport was transferred to RSAF in 1980 when it was promptly renamed as Paya Lebar Air Base following the relocation of the civilian airport to Changi
.
in 1958, using a DC-4 leased from Qantas
, flying to Hong Kong. Turboprops were introduced over the next few years, and the name was changed to Malaysian Airways.
In 1962 a joint RAF/Singapore civil Air Traffic Control service was formed to provide Military cover for Air Defence. During that time Britannia aircraft of British Eagle provided transport for UK military. Comet 4C's were common traffic and the new VC10 arrived reducing flight time, (using UK and Singapore time it was theoretically possible to land before it had taken off) rather than the 24hrs-with stops- of the Britannia.
In 1966, the company focused more on Singapore, buying Boeing 707
s, headquartering itself in that country, and renaming itself Malaysia-Singapore Airlines - with a notable fluorescent yellow livery. Its primary hub became Paya Lebar, and services began to reach out further into North Asia
.
From 1979 to 1980, British Airways, in conjunction with Singapore Airlines, began supersonic Concorde
services from London's Heathrow Airport, to Paya Lebar Singapore.
Malaysia-Singapore Airlines
was dissolved in 1972; Malaysia Airlines
and Singapore Airlines
was formed - keeping all the above 707s; and Singapore Airlines
remained at Paya Lebar. But passenger numbers rose from 1.7 million to 4 million between 1970 and 1975. The airport was constrained by housing estates and although some work was done to keep it operational in the meantime, construction began on the present Singapore International Airport at Changi in 1975, opening in 1981. Paya Lebar then closed to civil traffic, and Changi took over Paya Lebar's IATA code of SIN.
flights, Ministry of Defence
charter flights and foreign military aircraft
. It became a complete military airbase
in 1981 when Singapore Changi Airport
was opened and was subsequently renamed as Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) on the same year.
and the upgraded AMRAAM capable F-5S/T Tiger IIs.
The Flying squadrons are:
The Support Squadrons are:
and United States Navy
(including United States Marine Corps Aviation
) as a refuelling stopover and staging post/transit point, the base is also used permanently by the 497th Combat Training Squadron
for other flight operations since 31st October 1991.
was present for another aerobatic display to thrill the crowds.
Republic of Singapore Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the air arm of the Singapore Armed Forces. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command...
located at Paya Lebar
Paya Lebar
Paya Lebar is an area in the north-eastern part of Singapore. It is served by Paya Lebar Station, on the East West Line of Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit system. It is an urban planning area. The Singapore Post Centre is located there too....
, in the central-eastern part of Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, the airbase goes by the motto of "Strength Through Readiness".
Originally built in 1955 as Singapore International Airport to replace Kallang Airport
Kallang Airport
The Kallang Airport , also known as the Kallang Aerodrome, Kallang Airfield and RAF Kallang, opened in 1937 as Singapore's first purpose-built civil airport, together with an anchorage for seaplanes. Land was reclaimed in the Kallang Basin to turn the swampy area into a circular-shaped airfield and...
, control of the airport was transferred to RSAF in 1980 when it was promptly renamed as Paya Lebar Air Base following the relocation of the civilian airport to Changi
Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport , Changi International Airport, or simply Changi Airport, is the main airport in Singapore. A major aviation hub in Southeast Asia, it is about north-east from the commercial centre in Changi, on a site....
.
History
It was a hub for Malayan Airways at this time (the other being Kuala Lumpur), and the airline had its first flight outside Southeast AsiaSoutheast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
in 1958, using a DC-4 leased from Qantas
Qantas
Qantas Airways Limited is the flag carrier of Australia. The name was originally "QANTAS", an initialism for "Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services". Nicknamed "The Flying Kangaroo", the airline is based in Sydney, with its main hub at Sydney Airport...
, flying to Hong Kong. Turboprops were introduced over the next few years, and the name was changed to Malaysian Airways.
In 1962 a joint RAF/Singapore civil Air Traffic Control service was formed to provide Military cover for Air Defence. During that time Britannia aircraft of British Eagle provided transport for UK military. Comet 4C's were common traffic and the new VC10 arrived reducing flight time, (using UK and Singapore time it was theoretically possible to land before it had taken off) rather than the 24hrs-with stops- of the Britannia.
In 1966, the company focused more on Singapore, buying Boeing 707
Boeing 707
The Boeing 707 is a four-engine narrow-body commercial passenger jet airliner developed by Boeing in the early 1950s. Its name is most commonly pronounced as "Seven Oh Seven". The first airline to operate the 707 was Pan American World Airways, inaugurating the type's first commercial flight on...
s, headquartering itself in that country, and renaming itself Malaysia-Singapore Airlines - with a notable fluorescent yellow livery. Its primary hub became Paya Lebar, and services began to reach out further into North Asia
North Asia
North Asia or Northern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the Asian portion of Russia.The Phillips Illustrated Atlas of the World 1988 defines it as being most of the former USSR, the part that is to the east of the Ural Mountains...
.
From 1979 to 1980, British Airways, in conjunction with Singapore Airlines, began supersonic Concorde
Concorde
Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde was a turbojet-powered supersonic passenger airliner, a supersonic transport . It was a product of an Anglo-French government treaty, combining the manufacturing efforts of Aérospatiale and the British Aircraft Corporation...
services from London's Heathrow Airport, to Paya Lebar Singapore.
Malaysia-Singapore Airlines
Malaysia-Singapore Airlines
Malaysia-Singapore Airlines came into being in 1966 as a result of a joint ownership of the airline by the governments of Malaysia and Singapore. The airline ceased operations after 6 years in 1972 when both governments decided to set up their own national airlines...
was dissolved in 1972; Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysian Airline System Berhad , DBA Malaysia Airlines , is the government-owned flag carrier of Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines operates flights from its home base, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and its eastern hub in Kota Kinabalu. It has its headquarters on the grounds of Sultan Abdul Aziz...
and Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines Limited is the flag carrier airline of Singapore. Singapore Airlines operates a hub at Changi Airport and has a strong presence in the Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and "Kangaroo Route" markets...
was formed - keeping all the above 707s; and Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines Limited is the flag carrier airline of Singapore. Singapore Airlines operates a hub at Changi Airport and has a strong presence in the Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and "Kangaroo Route" markets...
remained at Paya Lebar. But passenger numbers rose from 1.7 million to 4 million between 1970 and 1975. The airport was constrained by housing estates and although some work was done to keep it operational in the meantime, construction began on the present Singapore International Airport at Changi in 1975, opening in 1981. Paya Lebar then closed to civil traffic, and Changi took over Paya Lebar's IATA code of SIN.
Conversion to Military use
Paya Lebar began to be gradually converted into a military air-force base from Late 1967 onwards. During that year, an Air Movement Centre was constructed to handle passengers and cargo arriving on Republic of Singapore Air ForceRepublic of Singapore Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the air arm of the Singapore Armed Forces. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command...
flights, Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence (Singapore)
The Ministry of Defence is a ministry of the Government of Singapore entrusted with overseeing the national defence needs of the Republic of Singapore. It is the headquarters of the Singapore Armed Forces...
charter flights and foreign military aircraft
Military aircraft
A military aircraft is any fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft that is operated by a legal or insurrectionary armed service of any type. Military aircraft can be either combat or non-combat:...
. It became a complete military airbase
Airbase
An airbase is a military airfield that provides basing and support of military aircraft....
in 1981 when Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport , Changi International Airport, or simply Changi Airport, is the main airport in Singapore. A major aviation hub in Southeast Asia, it is about north-east from the commercial centre in Changi, on a site....
was opened and was subsequently renamed as Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) on the same year.
Paya Lebar Air Base
The air base currently houses aircraft such as the C-130 HerculesC-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
and the upgraded AMRAAM capable F-5S/T Tiger IIs.
The Flying squadrons are:
- 122 Squadron with 10 C-130 HerculesC-130 HerculesThe Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
, - 141 Squadron with 7 F-5S/T Tiger-IIs before it was disbanded in Nov 2005,
- 144 Squadron144 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 144 Squadron "Blackite" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force is a fighter-bomber squadron based at Paya Lebar Air Base, the squadron goes by the motto "Dare To Excel" with the Black Kite adopted as its mascot.-History:...
with 22 F-5S/T Tiger-IIs, - 149 Squadron149 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 149 Squadron "Shikra" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force is a fighter-bomber squadron based at Paya Lebar Air Base, the squadron goes by the motto "Steadfast" with the Shikra adopted as its mascot.-History:...
with 16 F-5S/T Tiger-IIs; currently transitioning to the F-15SG (Strike)
The Support Squadrons are:
- Air Logistics Squadron (ALS)
- Airfield Maintenance Squadron (AMS)
- Field Defence Squadron (FDS)
- Flying Support Squadron (FSS)
US presence
Besides being used by various flying units of United States Air ForceUnited States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
and United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
(including United States Marine Corps Aviation
United States Marine Corps Aviation
United States Marine Corps Aviation is the air component of the United States Marine Corps. Marine aviation has a very different mission and operation than its ground counterpart, and thus, has many of its own histories, traditions, terms, and procedures....
) as a refuelling stopover and staging post/transit point, the base is also used permanently by the 497th Combat Training Squadron
497th Combat Training Squadron
The 497th Combat Training Squadron is a United States Air Force unit. Its present assignment is to Paya Lebar Airbase, Singapore, where its mission is to provides operational and logistical support to U.S...
for other flight operations since 31st October 1991.
Side note
- Occasionally, Paya Lebar Air Base plays host to commercial/VIP aircraft as well. Air Force OneAir Force OneAir Force One is the official air traffic control call sign of any United States Air Force aircraft carrying the President of the United States. In common parlance the term refers to those Air Force aircraft whose primary mission is to transport the president; however, any U.S. Air Force aircraft...
landed at the base during President George W. BushGeorge W. BushGeorge Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
's two visits to Singapore in October 2003 and November 2006.
- Air Force TwoAir Force TwoAir Force Two is the air traffic control call sign used by any United States Air Force aircraft carrying the Vice President, but not the President. The term is often associated with the Boeing C-32, a modified 757 which is most commonly used as the Vice President's transport. The C-40 Clipper, a...
carrying Vice President Dick CheneyDick CheneyRichard Bruce "Dick" Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States , under George W. Bush....
also made a brief refueling stop en route from Australia in 2007.
- On 14 November 2009, Air Force One carrying President Barack ObamaBarack ObamaBarack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
landed at Paya Lebar Air Base, to attend the APEC Singapore 2009APEC Singapore 2009Singapore hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings from February to November 2009. The APEC 2009 meetings will culminate in the 17th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting , where Leaders of APEC's 21 member economies will meet from 14 to 15 November 2009.-Theme:The theme for 2009 is...
Summit.
Air Force Museum
The RSAF maintains the Air Force Museum, which is open to the public and showcases the air force's history and capabilities. The museum is located along Airport Road beside the airbase.RSAF Open House
The RSAF Open House is a bi-annual event which is usually held at Paya Lebar Air Base and in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of Republic of Singapore Air Force in 2008, it was open to the public for two days from 30 August to 31 August 2008. Also, the RSAF Black KnightsRSAF Black Knights
The Black Knights is the official aerobatics team of the Republic of Singapore Air Force featuring six F-16C Fighting Falcons in formation flight...
was present for another aerobatic display to thrill the crowds.
Legacy
The old passenger terminal building and control tower still stand, though they now house air force units and are off limits to the public. Nevertheless, much of the interior still remains intact and is almost completely preserved from the time it was first built. The road which used to lead to the old passenger terminal is also still known as Airport Road.External links
Paya Lebar Air Base (Simplified Chinese: 巴耶利峇空军基地; ) is a military airbase of the Republic of Singapore Air Force
Republic of Singapore Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the air arm of the Singapore Armed Forces. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command...
located at Paya Lebar
Paya Lebar
Paya Lebar is an area in the north-eastern part of Singapore. It is served by Paya Lebar Station, on the East West Line of Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit system. It is an urban planning area. The Singapore Post Centre is located there too....
, in the central-eastern part of Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, the airbase goes by the motto of "Strength Through Readiness".
Originally built in 1955 as Singapore International Airport to replace Kallang Airport
Kallang Airport
The Kallang Airport , also known as the Kallang Aerodrome, Kallang Airfield and RAF Kallang, opened in 1937 as Singapore's first purpose-built civil airport, together with an anchorage for seaplanes. Land was reclaimed in the Kallang Basin to turn the swampy area into a circular-shaped airfield and...
, control of the airport was transferred to RSAF in 1980 when it was promptly renamed as Paya Lebar Air Base following the relocation of the civilian airport to Changi
Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport , Changi International Airport, or simply Changi Airport, is the main airport in Singapore. A major aviation hub in Southeast Asia, it is about north-east from the commercial centre in Changi, on a site....
.
History
It was a hub for Malayan Airways at this time (the other being Kuala Lumpur), and the airline had its first flight outside Southeast AsiaSoutheast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
in 1958, using a DC-4 leased from Qantas
Qantas
Qantas Airways Limited is the flag carrier of Australia. The name was originally "QANTAS", an initialism for "Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services". Nicknamed "The Flying Kangaroo", the airline is based in Sydney, with its main hub at Sydney Airport...
, flying to Hong Kong. Turboprops were introduced over the next few years, and the name was changed to Malaysian Airways.
In 1962 a joint RAF/Singapore civil Air Traffic Control service was formed to provide Military cover for Air Defence. During that time Britannia aircraft of British Eagle provided transport for UK military. Comet 4C's were common traffic and the new VC10 arrived reducing flight time, (using UK and Singapore time it was theoretically possible to land before it had taken off) rather than the 24hrs-with stops- of the Britannia.
In 1966, the company focused more on Singapore, buying Boeing 707
Boeing 707
The Boeing 707 is a four-engine narrow-body commercial passenger jet airliner developed by Boeing in the early 1950s. Its name is most commonly pronounced as "Seven Oh Seven". The first airline to operate the 707 was Pan American World Airways, inaugurating the type's first commercial flight on...
s, headquartering itself in that country, and renaming itself Malaysia-Singapore Airlines - with a notable fluorescent yellow livery. Its primary hub became Paya Lebar, and services began to reach out further into North Asia
North Asia
North Asia or Northern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the Asian portion of Russia.The Phillips Illustrated Atlas of the World 1988 defines it as being most of the former USSR, the part that is to the east of the Ural Mountains...
.
From 1979 to 1980, British Airways, in conjunction with Singapore Airlines, began supersonic Concorde
Concorde
Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde was a turbojet-powered supersonic passenger airliner, a supersonic transport . It was a product of an Anglo-French government treaty, combining the manufacturing efforts of Aérospatiale and the British Aircraft Corporation...
services from London's Heathrow Airport, to Paya Lebar Singapore.
Malaysia-Singapore Airlines
Malaysia-Singapore Airlines
Malaysia-Singapore Airlines came into being in 1966 as a result of a joint ownership of the airline by the governments of Malaysia and Singapore. The airline ceased operations after 6 years in 1972 when both governments decided to set up their own national airlines...
was dissolved in 1972; Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysian Airline System Berhad , DBA Malaysia Airlines , is the government-owned flag carrier of Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines operates flights from its home base, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and its eastern hub in Kota Kinabalu. It has its headquarters on the grounds of Sultan Abdul Aziz...
and Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines Limited is the flag carrier airline of Singapore. Singapore Airlines operates a hub at Changi Airport and has a strong presence in the Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and "Kangaroo Route" markets...
was formed - keeping all the above 707s; and Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines Limited is the flag carrier airline of Singapore. Singapore Airlines operates a hub at Changi Airport and has a strong presence in the Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and "Kangaroo Route" markets...
remained at Paya Lebar. But passenger numbers rose from 1.7 million to 4 million between 1970 and 1975. The airport was constrained by housing estates and although some work was done to keep it operational in the meantime, construction began on the present Singapore International Airport at Changi in 1975, opening in 1981. Paya Lebar then closed to civil traffic, and Changi took over Paya Lebar's IATA code of SIN.
Conversion to Military use
Paya Lebar began to be gradually converted into a military air-force base from Late 1967 onwards. During that year, an Air Movement Centre was constructed to handle passengers and cargo arriving on Republic of Singapore Air ForceRepublic of Singapore Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the air arm of the Singapore Armed Forces. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command...
flights, Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence (Singapore)
The Ministry of Defence is a ministry of the Government of Singapore entrusted with overseeing the national defence needs of the Republic of Singapore. It is the headquarters of the Singapore Armed Forces...
charter flights and foreign military aircraft
Military aircraft
A military aircraft is any fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft that is operated by a legal or insurrectionary armed service of any type. Military aircraft can be either combat or non-combat:...
. It became a complete military airbase
Airbase
An airbase is a military airfield that provides basing and support of military aircraft....
in 1981 when Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport , Changi International Airport, or simply Changi Airport, is the main airport in Singapore. A major aviation hub in Southeast Asia, it is about north-east from the commercial centre in Changi, on a site....
was opened and was subsequently renamed as Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) on the same year.
Paya Lebar Air Base
The air base currently houses aircraft such as the C-130 HerculesC-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
and the upgraded AMRAAM capable F-5S/T Tiger IIs.
The Flying squadrons are:
- 122 Squadron with 10 C-130 HerculesC-130 HerculesThe Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
, - 141 Squadron with 7 F-5S/T Tiger-IIs before it was disbanded in Nov 2005,
- 144 Squadron144 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 144 Squadron "Blackite" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force is a fighter-bomber squadron based at Paya Lebar Air Base, the squadron goes by the motto "Dare To Excel" with the Black Kite adopted as its mascot.-History:...
with 22 F-5S/T Tiger-IIs, - 149 Squadron149 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 149 Squadron "Shikra" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force is a fighter-bomber squadron based at Paya Lebar Air Base, the squadron goes by the motto "Steadfast" with the Shikra adopted as its mascot.-History:...
with 16 F-5S/T Tiger-IIs; currently transitioning to the F-15SG (Strike)
The Support Squadrons are:
- Air Logistics Squadron (ALS)
- Airfield Maintenance Squadron (AMS)
- Field Defence Squadron (FDS)
- Flying Support Squadron (FSS)
US presence
Besides being used by various flying units of United States Air ForceUnited States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
and United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
(including United States Marine Corps Aviation
United States Marine Corps Aviation
United States Marine Corps Aviation is the air component of the United States Marine Corps. Marine aviation has a very different mission and operation than its ground counterpart, and thus, has many of its own histories, traditions, terms, and procedures....
) as a refuelling stopover and staging post/transit point, the base is also used permanently by the 497th Combat Training Squadron
497th Combat Training Squadron
The 497th Combat Training Squadron is a United States Air Force unit. Its present assignment is to Paya Lebar Airbase, Singapore, where its mission is to provides operational and logistical support to U.S...
for other flight operations since 31st October 1991.
Side note
- Occasionally, Paya Lebar Air Base plays host to commercial/VIP aircraft as well. Air Force OneAir Force OneAir Force One is the official air traffic control call sign of any United States Air Force aircraft carrying the President of the United States. In common parlance the term refers to those Air Force aircraft whose primary mission is to transport the president; however, any U.S. Air Force aircraft...
landed at the base during President George W. BushGeorge W. BushGeorge Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
's two visits to Singapore in October 2003 and November 2006.
- Air Force TwoAir Force TwoAir Force Two is the air traffic control call sign used by any United States Air Force aircraft carrying the Vice President, but not the President. The term is often associated with the Boeing C-32, a modified 757 which is most commonly used as the Vice President's transport. The C-40 Clipper, a...
carrying Vice President Dick CheneyDick CheneyRichard Bruce "Dick" Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States , under George W. Bush....
also made a brief refueling stop en route from Australia in 2007.
- On 14 November 2009, Air Force One carrying President Barack ObamaBarack ObamaBarack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
landed at Paya Lebar Air Base, to attend the APEC Singapore 2009APEC Singapore 2009Singapore hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings from February to November 2009. The APEC 2009 meetings will culminate in the 17th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting , where Leaders of APEC's 21 member economies will meet from 14 to 15 November 2009.-Theme:The theme for 2009 is...
Summit.
Air Force Museum
The RSAF maintains the Air Force Museum, which is open to the public and showcases the air force's history and capabilities. The museum is located along Airport Road beside the airbase.RSAF Open House
The RSAF Open House is a bi-annual event which is usually held at Paya Lebar Air Base and in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of Republic of Singapore Air Force in 2008, it was open to the public for two days from 30 August to 31 August 2008. Also, the RSAF Black KnightsRSAF Black Knights
The Black Knights is the official aerobatics team of the Republic of Singapore Air Force featuring six F-16C Fighting Falcons in formation flight...
was present for another aerobatic display to thrill the crowds.
Legacy
The old passenger terminal building and control tower still stand, though they now house air force units and are off limits to the public. Nevertheless, much of the interior still remains intact and is almost completely preserved from the time it was first built. The road which used to lead to the old passenger terminal is also still known as Airport Road.External links
Paya Lebar Air Base (Simplified Chinese: 巴耶利峇空军基地; ) is a military airbase of the Republic of Singapore Air Force
Republic of Singapore Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the air arm of the Singapore Armed Forces. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command...
located at Paya Lebar
Paya Lebar
Paya Lebar is an area in the north-eastern part of Singapore. It is served by Paya Lebar Station, on the East West Line of Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit system. It is an urban planning area. The Singapore Post Centre is located there too....
, in the central-eastern part of Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, the airbase goes by the motto of "Strength Through Readiness".
Originally built in 1955 as Singapore International Airport to replace Kallang Airport
Kallang Airport
The Kallang Airport , also known as the Kallang Aerodrome, Kallang Airfield and RAF Kallang, opened in 1937 as Singapore's first purpose-built civil airport, together with an anchorage for seaplanes. Land was reclaimed in the Kallang Basin to turn the swampy area into a circular-shaped airfield and...
, control of the airport was transferred to RSAF in 1980 when it was promptly renamed as Paya Lebar Air Base following the relocation of the civilian airport to Changi
Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport , Changi International Airport, or simply Changi Airport, is the main airport in Singapore. A major aviation hub in Southeast Asia, it is about north-east from the commercial centre in Changi, on a site....
.
History
It was a hub for Malayan Airways at this time (the other being Kuala Lumpur), and the airline had its first flight outside Southeast AsiaSoutheast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
in 1958, using a DC-4 leased from Qantas
Qantas
Qantas Airways Limited is the flag carrier of Australia. The name was originally "QANTAS", an initialism for "Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services". Nicknamed "The Flying Kangaroo", the airline is based in Sydney, with its main hub at Sydney Airport...
, flying to Hong Kong. Turboprops were introduced over the next few years, and the name was changed to Malaysian Airways.
In 1962 a joint RAF/Singapore civil Air Traffic Control service was formed to provide Military cover for Air Defence. During that time Britannia aircraft of British Eagle provided transport for UK military. Comet 4C's were common traffic and the new VC10 arrived reducing flight time, (using UK and Singapore time it was theoretically possible to land before it had taken off) rather than the 24hrs-with stops- of the Britannia.
In 1966, the company focused more on Singapore, buying Boeing 707
Boeing 707
The Boeing 707 is a four-engine narrow-body commercial passenger jet airliner developed by Boeing in the early 1950s. Its name is most commonly pronounced as "Seven Oh Seven". The first airline to operate the 707 was Pan American World Airways, inaugurating the type's first commercial flight on...
s, headquartering itself in that country, and renaming itself Malaysia-Singapore Airlines - with a notable fluorescent yellow livery. Its primary hub became Paya Lebar, and services began to reach out further into North Asia
North Asia
North Asia or Northern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the Asian portion of Russia.The Phillips Illustrated Atlas of the World 1988 defines it as being most of the former USSR, the part that is to the east of the Ural Mountains...
.
From 1979 to 1980, British Airways, in conjunction with Singapore Airlines, began supersonic Concorde
Concorde
Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde was a turbojet-powered supersonic passenger airliner, a supersonic transport . It was a product of an Anglo-French government treaty, combining the manufacturing efforts of Aérospatiale and the British Aircraft Corporation...
services from London's Heathrow Airport, to Paya Lebar Singapore.
Malaysia-Singapore Airlines
Malaysia-Singapore Airlines
Malaysia-Singapore Airlines came into being in 1966 as a result of a joint ownership of the airline by the governments of Malaysia and Singapore. The airline ceased operations after 6 years in 1972 when both governments decided to set up their own national airlines...
was dissolved in 1972; Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysian Airline System Berhad , DBA Malaysia Airlines , is the government-owned flag carrier of Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines operates flights from its home base, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and its eastern hub in Kota Kinabalu. It has its headquarters on the grounds of Sultan Abdul Aziz...
and Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines Limited is the flag carrier airline of Singapore. Singapore Airlines operates a hub at Changi Airport and has a strong presence in the Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and "Kangaroo Route" markets...
was formed - keeping all the above 707s; and Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines Limited is the flag carrier airline of Singapore. Singapore Airlines operates a hub at Changi Airport and has a strong presence in the Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and "Kangaroo Route" markets...
remained at Paya Lebar. But passenger numbers rose from 1.7 million to 4 million between 1970 and 1975. The airport was constrained by housing estates and although some work was done to keep it operational in the meantime, construction began on the present Singapore International Airport at Changi in 1975, opening in 1981. Paya Lebar then closed to civil traffic, and Changi took over Paya Lebar's IATA code of SIN.
Conversion to Military use
Paya Lebar began to be gradually converted into a military air-force base from Late 1967 onwards. During that year, an Air Movement Centre was constructed to handle passengers and cargo arriving on Republic of Singapore Air ForceRepublic of Singapore Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the air arm of the Singapore Armed Forces. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command...
flights, Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence (Singapore)
The Ministry of Defence is a ministry of the Government of Singapore entrusted with overseeing the national defence needs of the Republic of Singapore. It is the headquarters of the Singapore Armed Forces...
charter flights and foreign military aircraft
Military aircraft
A military aircraft is any fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft that is operated by a legal or insurrectionary armed service of any type. Military aircraft can be either combat or non-combat:...
. It became a complete military airbase
Airbase
An airbase is a military airfield that provides basing and support of military aircraft....
in 1981 when Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport , Changi International Airport, or simply Changi Airport, is the main airport in Singapore. A major aviation hub in Southeast Asia, it is about north-east from the commercial centre in Changi, on a site....
was opened and was subsequently renamed as Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) on the same year.
Paya Lebar Air Base
The air base currently houses aircraft such as the C-130 HerculesC-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
and the upgraded AMRAAM capable F-5S/T Tiger IIs.
The Flying squadrons are:
- 122 Squadron with 10 C-130 HerculesC-130 HerculesThe Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
, - 141 Squadron with 7 F-5S/T Tiger-IIs before it was disbanded in Nov 2005,
- 144 Squadron144 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 144 Squadron "Blackite" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force is a fighter-bomber squadron based at Paya Lebar Air Base, the squadron goes by the motto "Dare To Excel" with the Black Kite adopted as its mascot.-History:...
with 22 F-5S/T Tiger-IIs, - 149 Squadron149 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 149 Squadron "Shikra" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force is a fighter-bomber squadron based at Paya Lebar Air Base, the squadron goes by the motto "Steadfast" with the Shikra adopted as its mascot.-History:...
with 16 F-5S/T Tiger-IIs; currently transitioning to the F-15SG (Strike)
The Support Squadrons are:
- Air Logistics Squadron (ALS)
- Airfield Maintenance Squadron (AMS)
- Field Defence Squadron (FDS)
- Flying Support Squadron (FSS)
US presence
Besides being used by various flying units of United States Air ForceUnited States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
and United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
(including United States Marine Corps Aviation
United States Marine Corps Aviation
United States Marine Corps Aviation is the air component of the United States Marine Corps. Marine aviation has a very different mission and operation than its ground counterpart, and thus, has many of its own histories, traditions, terms, and procedures....
) as a refuelling stopover and staging post/transit point, the base is also used permanently by the 497th Combat Training Squadron
497th Combat Training Squadron
The 497th Combat Training Squadron is a United States Air Force unit. Its present assignment is to Paya Lebar Airbase, Singapore, where its mission is to provides operational and logistical support to U.S...
for other flight operations since 31st October 1991.
Side note
- Occasionally, Paya Lebar Air Base plays host to commercial/VIP aircraft as well. Air Force OneAir Force OneAir Force One is the official air traffic control call sign of any United States Air Force aircraft carrying the President of the United States. In common parlance the term refers to those Air Force aircraft whose primary mission is to transport the president; however, any U.S. Air Force aircraft...
landed at the base during President George W. BushGeorge W. BushGeorge Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
's two visits to Singapore in October 2003 and November 2006.
- Air Force TwoAir Force TwoAir Force Two is the air traffic control call sign used by any United States Air Force aircraft carrying the Vice President, but not the President. The term is often associated with the Boeing C-32, a modified 757 which is most commonly used as the Vice President's transport. The C-40 Clipper, a...
carrying Vice President Dick CheneyDick CheneyRichard Bruce "Dick" Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States , under George W. Bush....
also made a brief refueling stop en route from Australia in 2007.
- On 14 November 2009, Air Force One carrying President Barack ObamaBarack ObamaBarack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
landed at Paya Lebar Air Base, to attend the APEC Singapore 2009APEC Singapore 2009Singapore hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings from February to November 2009. The APEC 2009 meetings will culminate in the 17th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting , where Leaders of APEC's 21 member economies will meet from 14 to 15 November 2009.-Theme:The theme for 2009 is...
Summit.
Air Force Museum
The RSAF maintains the Air Force Museum, which is open to the public and showcases the air force's history and capabilities. The museum is located along Airport Road beside the airbase.RSAF Open House
The RSAF Open House is a bi-annual event which is usually held at Paya Lebar Air Base and in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of Republic of Singapore Air Force in 2008, it was open to the public for two days from 30 August to 31 August 2008. Also, the RSAF Black KnightsRSAF Black Knights
The Black Knights is the official aerobatics team of the Republic of Singapore Air Force featuring six F-16C Fighting Falcons in formation flight...
was present for another aerobatic display to thrill the crowds.
Legacy
The old passenger terminal building and control tower still stand, though they now house air force units and are off limits to the public. Nevertheless, much of the interior still remains intact and is almost completely preserved from the time it was first built. The road which used to lead to the old passenger terminal is also still known as Airport Road.External links