Jetstar Asia Closure Highlights Industry Challenges Ahead of APATS 2025

Singapore Airlines Group will hire 300 former Jetstar Asia employees - 100 pilots and 200 cabin crew - following the low-cost carrier's announcement that it will cease operations on July 31, 2025.

The closure of the Singapore-based budget airline after 20 years of operations, driven by rising costs and intense competition, initially threatened over 500 jobs. However, Singapore Airlines' rapid response to retain experienced aviation professionals within the local market demonstrates the value of skilled personnel in today's tight labour environment.

The staff integration will require various forms of training and familiarisation as crew adapt to new operational environments and procedures. While Singapore Airlines will presumably utilise its established training infrastructure and existing partnerships, the scale of this workforce transition highlights the importance of flexible training capacity in the region.

The movement of experienced personnel between carriers demonstrates the ongoing need for adaptable training systems that can accommodate industry changes and workforce mobility across the Asia-Pacific aviation sector.

These training challenges, and more widespread recruitment and retention issues, will be central topics at the Asia Pacific Aviation Training Summit (APATS) 2025 in Singapore this August.

As the region's largest aviation training event, APATS brings together airlines, training providers, regulators, and technology suppliers to address exactly these types of industry transitions.

Conference sessions will explore recruitment strategies, retention challenges, and the training infrastructure needed to support rapid workforce movements.

The event's timing in Singapore makes it particularly relevant, as industry leaders, like Captain Adrian Amaladoss, Divisional Vice President, Flight Operations Training & Standards, Singapore Airlines, will share insights and learnings with regional counterparts.

"APATS 2025 is more critical than ever,” Conference Chair Jaques Drappier said. "It provides an essential platform where the industry's leaders can converge to openly discuss and collaboratively seek solutions for the most pressing challenges facing aviation today, from workforce mobility to talent retention and the vital role of adaptable training.”

The 21st edition of APATS takes place from August 26-27th at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. With dedicated conference streams, global experts, and a focused exhibition, APATS is where solutions are shared, partnerships are formed, and the future of training takes shape. Make sure you join us and are part of the conversation.