India is a strategically important market for Singapore Changi Airport being the seventh largest market for Changi based on current seat capacity. “We were looking at launching ourselves in the market through an interactive platform to promote the airport as a gateway to other parts of the world and SATTE fits the bill. This was the perfect gateway for us to India,” said Peh Ke-Wei, Vice President, Passenger Development, Changi Airport Group.
The 12 Indian destinations with non-stop links to Singapore are important for Changi as India is both a strong local and transit market, stated Ke-Wei. “Connections from India via Singapore are particularly strong to Australia, Indonesia, North Asia and the west coast of the US which are large markets from India that have limited non-stop services. Singapore is also the only international destination to the east for several secondary Indian cities, giving Changi an advantage over other international hubs,” he said.
Speaking about promotional strategy for India, Ke- Wei said, “We are strongly looking at tapping the tier II travel trade in India. We want to promote Changi Airport as a tourist attraction in Singapore. We want to overtake the Middle Eastern hubs and become a majot hub for the Indian traveller.” Changi Airport is also looking at tying up with various airlines that fly out of India. “We are looking at offering special perks and incentives to airlines and passengers that are flying to various destinations via Changi Airport.”
Ke- Wei further informed that Changi Airport experienced its busiest month ever in December 2012 to cross the 50-million passenger movements mark for the first time. Passenger traffic for 2012 totalled 51.2 million, increasing by 10.0 per cent over the whole of 2011. Flight movements grew 7.6 per cent to 324,700.
“There were 29,000 landings and take-offs in January 2013, 4.7 per cent more than a year ago. As at 1 January 2013, Changi Airport handles more than 6,500 weekly scheduled flights with 110 airlines connecting Singapore to 240 cities in 60 countries around the world.”
The seventh busiest international airport today, Changi Airport is a major air hub in Asia, Serving more than 100 international airlines flying to some 220 cities in about 60 countries and territories worldwide, “With 330 retail stores and 120 F&B outlets occupying over 70,000 square metres of commercial space across its three terminals, Changi Airport is also one of Singapore’s best places for shopping and dining. Increasingly, the airport has become a favourite destination for Singapore residents, especially families,” said Ke- Wei.
