To mitigate increasing operational strains on airfield infrastructure, Changi Airports International has introduced the Airport Pavement Centre of Excellence, designated as APEX. The entity, functioning under Changi Airport Group, seeks to assist aerodromes in confronting challenges generated by changing climates, higher traffic demands, and the movements of heavier airframes.
Airfield pavements represent vital components of aviation networks, underpinning every takeoff, landing, and ground turnaround across runway and taxiway networks. Rising movement volumes and severe environmental conditions accelerate the degradation of surfaces. Unscheduled closures of runways or taxiways due to surface deterioration severely restrict aerodrome capacity, resulting in flight disruptions and substantial economic consequences.
Because operating environments, structural materials, and local climates differ widely, uniform pavement treatments do not exist, leaving technical knowledge fragmented across the industry. APEX convenes aerodrome practitioners, researchers, and technical pavement specialists to bridge these divides. The collaborative platform concentrates on transforming scientific innovations and operational field feedback into concrete measures, boosting the structural reliability, sustainability, and safety of airside pavements.
Why it matters for your training
Runway and taxiway pavement deterioration directly affects flight operations through sudden runway closures, capacity restrictions, and surface hazards during takeoff or landing.
