How did a rubber plantation transform into the Seletar we know today? Let’s uncover the story of this unique area in Singapore. We are standing at Seletar. This place boasts a rich history beyond its modern facade.
Seletar’s story begins long before airplanes graced its skies. It was once a vast rubber plantation owned by Singapore United Plantations Limited. In 1923, the Straits Settlement government acquired the land. This acquisition paved the way for the British Royal Air Force. The foundation for modern Seletar was set.
RAF Seletar was established. It became the first and largest British Royal Air Force headquarters in the Far East. The base served as Singapore’s first civil airport until Kallang Airport opened in 1937. Aviation legends graced Seletar. Kingsford-Smith and Amy Johnson landed here during their record-breaking flights. Even Charlie Chaplin visited.
RAF Seletar played a crucial role during World War II. Japanese navy bombers targeted the airfield during the first air raid on Singapore. The base was abandoned when the Japanese took Johor Bahru. The Japanese occupation saw the airfield under the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. Seletar’s present runway was built during this time.
After the war, the base returned to the RAF. It was heavily involved in the Malayan Emergency. Beaufighters, Spitfires and Mosquitos operated against Malayan Communist insurgents. Many squadrons were based here.
In 1971, the RAF station closed. Seletar was handed over to Singapore’s Department of Civil Aviation. Today, Seletar Airport primarily serves turbo-prop and smaller-sized private aircraft. It helps relieve air traffic from Changi Airport.
The name “Seletar” has interesting origins. It is believed to be derived from the Orang Seletar. They are a group of aboriginal people who initially lived in mangrove forests here. They had to move when the forests were cleared.
The airport underwent refurbishment in 2015. This aimed to relieve pressure on Changi Airport. A new passenger terminal building opened in 2018. It replaced the previous terminal.
Today, Seletar Airport operates as a general aviation airport. It mainly caters to chartered flights, private aircraft and training. Firefly operates flights to Kuala Lumpur–Subang.
Seletar has evolved from a rubber plantation to a vital aviation hub. Its history whispers tales of war heroes and aviation pioneers. Seletar stands as a testament to Singapore’s strategic importance. It reflects Singapore’s growth in the aviation industry.