The Singapore government will go ahead with infrastructure works at the Seletar Aerospace Park despite the expected short-term slowdown in the aviation and aerospace industry.

Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, S Iswaran, said the timing is right to prepare the infrastructure and manpower capabilities for future growth in the sector.

Singapore took a decision in 2006 to develop the 300-hectare Seletar Aerospace Park as an integrated aerospace cluster.

It will host maintenance, repair and overhaul, manufacturing and business aviation activities.

Mr Iswaran said the aviation industry has faced significant challenges in recent times due to the global financial turmoil and skyrocketing oil prices.

But the government is determined that works at Seletar and the extension of its runway will go on.

Mr Iswaran is confident that the long-term prospects for the aerospace industry remain positive despite short-term fears of a slowdown.

Singapore Airlines Engineering Company has already reserved a site at Seletar and plans to build a training academy there.