Changi's counterplay: CAG rolls out $100m growth programme

Here's a bid to reverse the airport's decline.

Declining passenger volumes and mounting pressure from aggressive competitors are hounding Changi Airport. In a move to counter these threats, Changi Airport Group (CAG) today rolled out a wide-ranging Growth and Assistance Incentive (GAIN) programme which will be implemented over the coming year.

CAG is committing a total of S$100 million through various initiatives and measures aimed at lowering costs for airlines, boosting passenger traffic and improving operational efficiency at the airport.

From 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015, all airlines operating at Changi Airport will enjoy an across-the-board reduction in operating costs including rebates of 50% on aircraft parking fees and 15% on aerobridge fees.

According to CAG, “These efforts will strengthen the airport’s hub status and anchor Singapore as a major air gateway to and from the region.”

Here’s more:

In addition, CAG will introduce a new package which will reward airlines for growing transfer traffic at Changi Airport. CAG is also keen to work with airlines to raise efficiency of the latter’s terminal operations and will provide funding support where appropriate.

GAIN provides temporary relief for airlines while laying the foundation for more efficient operations at Changi Airport in the years ahead. CAG’s incentives and support programmes beyond the coming year will be calibrated depending on how traffic patterns at Changi Airport and how the operating conditions of airlines in the region develop.