Singapore’s aviation sector set to receive increased wage subsidies

As part of the S$870 million (US$656.3 million) OneAviation Support Package announced by the Singapore government in Budget 2021, companies in the aviation sector will receive enhanced support for wages paid to local staff from April to September, up to a cap of S$4,600 (US$3,470) of gross monthly wages.

The scheme, called the Aviation Workforce Retention Grant, will provide additional wage support to companies in the aviation industry to help them retain local staff, and will be applicable to firms with activities based principally at Changi Airport, highlighted the Ministry of Transport. 

Under this scheme, companies will receive an additional 20% of the first S$4,600 of gross monthly wages paid to each local employee from April to June 2021, on top of the 30% support they will receive under the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS).  

Following that, from July to September, companies will receive an additional 40% of the first S$4,600 of gross monthly wages paid to each local employee, on top of the 10% support they will receive under the JSS. 

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“Aviation is one of the hardest hit sectors during this pandemic, if not the hardest hit, as Changi and its stakeholders have lost 97.5% of its customers,” said Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung.

“Yet for a city-state like Singapore, the air hub is essential to connect us with the rest of the world and continues to be our lifeblood. This support will help Changi tide through the crisis, while we explore ways to reopen borders safely,” he added.