Changi crowned as world's strongest airport brand

It beat out Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, and Heathrow in airport brand strength.

Singapore’s Changi Airport beat out Hong Kong International Airport and Incheon Airport to hold the distinction as the world’s strongest airport brand, according to an annual report by Brand Finance. Tokyo International Airport Terminal nabbed fourth place, and Heathrow rounded out the top five.

Changi achieved a Brand Strength Index (BSI) of 86.90 out of 100 and AAA Brand Rating, Changi welcomes over 65 million travelers per year. Brand Finance assessed the airport hub’s strengths using three metrics: its marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance. The report also cited a recently opened the Jewel Changi. Built across a 1,461,000 ft area, it has five stories above ground and five underneath, with attractions including a multi-screen IMAX cinema, a hotel, a full-size supermarket and 280 retail spaces.

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However, Changi trails behind frontrunner Heathrow in terms of Brand Value, coming in as second most valuable of the top 25 airport hub brands. Measuring the airports’ enterprise value, branded business value, and brand contribution and value, the report assessed Changi’s Brand Value at $754m to Heathrow’s $919m, bringing down the former’s Brand Rating.

“The most valuable airport brands are those that manage to meet the demands of discerning business travellers and frequent fliers, as well as providing a comfortable and well-equipped environment to accommodate for a family embarking on their annual summer holidays,” Savio D’Souza Director of Aviation, Brand Finance, said in a report.