Brief History, Mission and Objectives
History of the Department of Civil Aviation
Commercial air transport in Brunei began in 1953, with the establishment of air service links connecting Bandar Seri Begawan with Anduki in the Belait district. Initial flights to Malaysia were made to accommodate travelers from Labuan in Sabah and Lutong in Sarawak. Airport services were operated from the Berakas area at an old runway site built by the Japanese during World War II. It was known then as the Brunei Airport.
The growth in popularity of air travel in the '70s resulted in a significant increased in the civil aviation movement. Suddenly, the old airport was swamped with activity, operating beyond its capacity. This prompted the Government to scout for a new site to build a modern airport, in order to cater to the needs of the growing number of users, and simultaneously utilising modern technological development.
A new airport was constructed in Mukim Berakas in the Brunei-Muara District. The choice of the site proved a wise decision. It has the advantage of a strategic location - easily accessible from all areas of the country. The airport became operational in 1974. Its inauguration marked an important date in the history of civil aviation in Brunei. The airport opened Brunei to the world. Aptly, the new airport was named Brunei International Airport.
Mission & Objectives
Mission
The Ministry of Communications, the umbrella organisation of the Department of Civil Aviation, formulated a theme, 'Towards Global Access', which emphasizes international linkages, economic cooperation and regional, as well as international, interdependency. In support of the Ministry's thrust to achieve world-class standards, the Department of Civil Aviation launched its core mission, thus: To develop the Brunei International Airport as the leading regional air hub by providing the highest level of safety, security and efficiency of aviation system; competitive services and facilities for the maximum benefits of the aviation communities.
Objectives
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With its core mission, the Department of Civil Aviation is committed to fulfil the following objectives:
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To maintain an open sky policy which aims to increase passenger and cargo traffic, liberalize air traffic rights and expand the number of airline companies serviced by the airport.
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To establish an aircraft maintenance centre with capabilities to handle, repair and maintain Boeings, Airbuses and Fokker planes.
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To transform the airport into a viable commercial and business centre, paving the way for the establishment of a world-class Airport City.
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To direct efforts towards the establishment of a Transshipment Centre.
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To establish the airport as a regional refueling centre by offering the most attractive fuel prices and liberalizing fuel suppliers.
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To continuously improve and upgrade facilities and services at the airport in general, and the passenger terminal in particular through various expansions projects.
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To attain the highest standards of aviation safety, security and efficiency through improved facilities and services, such as the 14,000 feet, runaway and Cat 2 equipment.
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To involve the private sector and encourage their participation in the process of development, particularly, that which concerns the Brunei International Airport.