S'pore ready for airport war with KL
S'pore ready for airport war with KL
Agence France-Presse, Singapore
Singapore's airport operator said Wednesday it is prepared to face competition from Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur announced an ambitious plan to attract top airlines away from its neighbor.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), which operates Changi Airport, said it would try to keep providing quality service while monitoring comparative costs at other airports.
"Competition is no stranger to Changi Airport. KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) is but one of many airports that compete with Changi Airport," a CAAS spokesman said in a statement to AFP.
He said that with more than 50 airlines mounting more than 3,200 weekly flights, Changi has established itself as the regional hub.
"But the CAAS is acutely aware that it cannot afford to rest on its laurels. CAAS will continue to provide the top-notch service that saw it garner 20 best airport awards in 2001.
"At the same time, CAAS will monitor cost comparisons with other airports," he said.
For example, CAAS had given airlines operating at Changi a 10 percent rebate on landing fees for a period of one year from 15 October 2001 to assist them following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S., which led to a slump in worldwide travel.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, which manages and operates 37 airports in the country, announced plans earlier Wednesday to attract top carriers from Singapore with perks and fifth landing rights.
The move also comes amid efforts by Malaysian ports to lure major shipping firms away from Singapore, which is just across a causeway from the southern Malaysian state of Johor.
Rosman Abdullah, Malaysia Airports executive director for finance, said Malaysia's aggressive campaign to get customers from Singapore ports had added momentum to Malaysia Airports' aviation initiatives.
"We are going beyond landing and parking charges. Tax breaks and fifth landing rights could be one of them," he told reporters.
The rights would allow airlines to pick up passengers while on transit in Malaysia.