CHANGI AIRPORT CALLS TENDER FOR THIRD GROUND HANDLING

SINGAPORE, Nov 17 (Bernama) – Changi Airport Group (CAG) Tuesday called an international tender for a third ground handling licence at Singapore Changi Airport.

The tender covers the provision of passenger handling, apron handling and
cargo handling services.

In a statement, CAG Chief Executive Officer Lee Seow Hiang said the
additional ground handler would enhance the airport’s competitiveness and
provide airlines with greater choice.

These services are presently provided by two agents – Singapore Airport
Terminal Services Limited (SATS) and SIA Engineering Company; and Changi
International Airport Services (Private) Ltd.

Lee said over the last few months, CAG had received expressions of interest
from a number of parties regarding a third ground handling licence at Changi
Airport.

This had been prompted by the divestment of SATS by Singapore Airlines and
improving business conditions in the aviation market, he said.

There was especially keen interest from those who had experience servicing
low-cost carriers, Lee said, adding that CAG was keen to support the entry of a
new ground handler at Changi with the right mix of experience, innovative
solutions and financial resources.

The tender will be conducted in two phases with the formal expressions of
interest phase closing this Dec 16, and in the second one, shortlisted
bidders will be required to submit detailed bids including their business and
financial plan.

The licence will be for a period of five years and the successful bidder is
expected to commence operations by mid-2010.

Currently, 85 airlines are operating at Changi Airport, and in the first
nine months of this year, the airport handled 26.7 million passengers, 1.18
million tonnes of cargo and 177,000 flights.

-- BERNAMA