Firms eyeing Changi Airport contract

Firms eyeing Changi Airport contract

SINGAPORE: More than 10 global and regional firms in the business of handling cargo and passengers were interested in a piece of the action at Singapore's Changi Airport, media reports said on Friday.

Opening up those services at the airport to a third firm was part of the government's plan to enhance Changi's position as an aviation hub in the face of competition from airports in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Dubai. Its goal is to inject more competition and keep fees down.

Swissport, which operates in more than 30 countries, was among the giants that attended a recent briefing here for potential bidders.

Also present was Dubai's Dnata.

Airlines whose planes land at Changi currently have a choice of Singapore Airport Terminal Services, which controls about 80 per cent of the market, and Changi International Airport Services.

Sources said Dnata, which also operates in Pakistan and Iran, is also likely to bid.

Plans are under way to construct a new air-freight terminal for the third player, which is to begin operating next year. -- dpa