Aviation Support at Seletar (XSP) Airport for Business Flight Operations

Seletar Airport (IATA: XSP, ICAO: WSSL) is a civilian international airport serving Singapore’s northeast region, located approximately 16 km northwest of Changi Airport and 16 km north of the commercial city center. Primarily focused on general aviation (GA) operations, Seletar is experiencing increasing traffic, prompting its designation as a schedule-facilitated airport. Authorities are encouraging the shift of GA traffic to Seletar, but operators should verify operating hours and runway closures during planning. With the rise in larger jet operations, parking is becoming constrained, and delays in taxiing or runway access may occur due to training hour restrictions and commercial turboprop activities.

Seletar Airport (XSP) Runway Information for Business Jets

Seletar Airport (XSP) has a runway oriented in the 03/21 direction, measuring 1,840 meters (6,023 feet) in length with an asphalt surface. This runway is suitable for a variety of business jets, particularly those in the light to medium range. Aircraft such as the Gulfstream G150, Embraer Phenom 100EX, and Cessna Citation XLS, which typically require runway lengths between 4,000 and 6,000 feet for takeoff and landing, are well-suited for operations at Seletar. Larger jets, especially those requiring longer runways for optimal performance, may find this runway less ideal, but smaller and mid-sized jets can operate efficiently within these dimensions.

Parking and Slot Management at Seletar Airport (XSP)

All foreign air operators conducting non-scheduled or private flights to Seletar Airport (XSP) should obtain slot approval before operating in Singapore. Flight details must be submitted to the Seletar Schedules Facilitator within the designated submission window. This window opens no earlier than seven calendar days before the planned operation and closes at 1400 UTC (2200 local time) on the day prior to the intended flight. Adherence to this timeline ensures smooth scheduling and compliance with operational requirements.

 

Aircraft parking is becoming a challenge as traffic grows, but power-in/power-out spots are generally available for most aircraft types. For stays exceeding 24 hours, aircraft are towed to a Compact Parking Area without requiring crew presence for repositioning.

 

Seletar handles approximately 30,000 aircraft movements annually, accounting for around 12% of Singapore’s total aircraft traffic (CAAS, 2022). The airport primarily supports business aviation (60%), including private jets and charters, as well as general aviation (30%), such as training and maintenance flights. Pre-pandemic movements ranged between 25,000 and 30,000 annually, with a strong focus on general aviation, business aviation, and MRO-related operations. By 2023, traffic rebounded to approximately 80% of pre-pandemic levels.

Flight Restrictions and Curfew Guidelines at Seletar Airport (XSP)

Since January 1, 2019, a night curfew has been in effect at Seletar Airport (XSP), restricting all flights except Medevac and emergency operations between 1400-2300 UTC. This initiative aims to minimize disturbances to residents in nearby housing estates during rest hours. Additionally, operators of non-training flights are strongly advised to avoid scheduling arrivals and departures during the following time periods from Tuesday to Sunday: 0130-0230 UTC (0930-1030 LT), 0400-0500 UTC (1200-1300 LT), 0700-0800 UTC (1500-1600 LT), and 0900-1000 UTC (1700-1800 LT).

Fueling Operations and Overtime Guidelines at Seletar Airport (XSP)

At Seletar Airport (XSP), regular fueling hours are Monday to Friday from 0730 to 2200 local time and on weekends and public holidays from 0830 to 1730 local time. Fuel uplifts outside these hours can be arranged with a minimum of 2 hours’ prior notice. Additional fees apply for after-hours fueling, with costs varying based on contractual agreements for the specific period. Overtime charges may also apply if refueling begins within regular hours but extends beyond operating times or is scheduled entirely outside normal hours. Additionally, operators should note that overtime charges might apply for ground handler availability outside regular working hours.

Operational Guidelines and Restrictions at Seletar Airport (XSP)

Freighter flights are prohibited between 1400 and 2300 local time. While there are no specific airport curfews, preferential runways, operating quotas, or noise budget restrictions in place, certain operational rules apply. High-power engine run-ups must be conducted at the designated Engine Ground Run Pad, and these are not permitted between 1600 and 2200 UTC. There are no restrictions on APU operations or additional noise surcharges. Pilots and operators are encouraged to comply with these guidelines to ensure smooth operations.

Charter Landing Permit for Seletar Airport (XSP)

All charter (non-scheduled commercial) flights to Singapore, including Seletar Airport (XSP), require a landing permit. The official lead time for a landing permit, as per the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Singapore, is 7 working days. If all documents are in order, the CAA may process requests on shorter notice, but this may incur higher costs. First-time operators may experience longer processing times due to the need for document verification.

 

Landing permits available include single landing permits, multiple landings at an additional cost, and block permits, which cover extended operations over one to six months. Block permits are particularly recommended for frequent operations, such as medevac flights. Should there be any delays in arrival or departure, operators must notify the CAA. Landing permit revisions can generally be processed quickly, though the CAA is closed on weekends, which may lead to possible delays for short-notice revisions.

 

Documentation required for charter landing permits includes:

• Air Operator Certificate (AOC)
• Air Operator’s operations specifications
• Certificates of airworthiness and registration
• Noise certificate
• Worldwide insurance certificate
• Most recent maintenance release

 

Upon clearance, the commercial department issues the landing permit. Ensure the permit number is included in the remarks section of the flight plan. Permit costs are on a per-flight basis, with additional charges for short-notice requests (less than 7 working days) but not dependent on the size or type of aircraft. Options include single landing permits with standard lead time, single landing permits with short-notice lead time, and multiple-entry block permits.

Ground Handling Operations at Seletar Airport (XSP)

Just Aviation provides comprehensive support for ground handling operations at Seletar Airport (XSP), catering to business aviation and private jet operators. We ensure the availability of Jet A-1 fuel for refueling, along with Avgas for piston-engine aircraft, conducting all fueling operations on the apron in strict compliance with safety protocols. Our optimized ramp operations for on-time departures at Seletar include marshalling, towing, pushback, and the provision of essential equipment such as ground power units, air start units, and air conditioning units to meet various operational requirements. We also handle lavatory and potable water services to maintain onboard hygiene and passenger comfort, ensuring quick and efficient turnaround times.

 

At Seletar Airport (XSP), we offer tailored passenger and crew services to guarantee convenience and seamless transitions. Our team handles baggage with care and provides dedicated services to facilitate expedited customs and immigration clearance. Crew members benefit from well-equipped lounges for rest and preparation, while we also support light cargo operations and basic line maintenance needs. All operations are conducted in alignment with local noise abatement and regulatory requirements to ensure efficient and environmentally responsible practices. To enhance operational efficiency, we encourage pre-arranging services, particularly during peak periods, to optimize procedures and avoid delays in Singapore business flight operations.