Singapore cuts aeronautical fees at Changi Airport

Changi Airport Group (CAG) announced on Friday several reductions and rebates to aeronautical fees at Singapore Changi Airport, which will benefit airlines, ground handling agents and passengers.

Passenger service charge for transfer and transit passengers will be reduced by two-thirds to S$3 from S$9 for travel from 1 July 2015 onwards. This is applicable for tickets purchased from May 1, 2015.

In addition, a 50 per cent landing fee rebate for long haul flights, which is due to expire on March 31, 2016, will be extended for another year to March 31, 2017.

"These measures will strengthen the attractiveness of Changi Airport as a long-haul transfer hub for both airlines and passengers,'' CAG said.

With effect from May 1, 2015, there will also be a cut in landing fees of up to 5 per cent for large aircraft weighing over 360 tonnes, including the A380 and certain B747 aircraft types.

"This will make it more attractive for airlines to operate larger aircraft at Changi Airport, which allows for more efficient utilisation of runway capacity so as to serve more traffic,'' CAG added.

CAG will extend a number of existing rebates enjoyed by airlines, providing them with additional cost relief.

The ongoing 50 per cent parking fee rebate and 15 per cent aerobridge fee rebate - which were originally scheduled to end on June 30, 2015 - will be extended to March 31, 2017.

To support the cargo sector, the existing 50 per cent landing fee rebate for scheduled freighter operations - which was due to expire on March 31, 2015 - has been extended to September 30, 2015.

The rebate will be adjusted to 30 per cent and apply until March 31, 2016. Separately, incentives for cargo agents leasing CAG's cargo facilities at the Changi Airfreight Centre have also been extended to March 31, 2016.

With effect from May 1, 2015, there will be a 20 per cent rebate on both flight catering and ground handling franchise fees.

CAG periodically reviews its aeronautical fees and cost support measures for airlines and airport partners. Based on prevailing market conditions and the airport's infrastructure requirements, fees and rebates may be adjusted as necessary.