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.