CHANGI IS WORLD'S BUSIEST MULTI-CARRIER A380 HUB, SAYS TRANSPORT MINISTER

With the commencement of Singapore Airlines' A380 operations to Frankfurt and New York later this month, Changi is today the world's busiest multi-carrier A380 hub with more than 200 A380 weekly flights to 10 major cities across the globe.

In stating this, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lui Tuck Yew, said the growth of its air network has seen Changi crossing a key milestone of more than 6,000 flights handled each week since November last year.

"I am also happy to note that despite being more than three decades old, Changi Airport still retains its charm and continues to be well-regarded by air travellers and aviation industry players," he said at Changi Airport Group's (CAG) Annual Airport Celebration 2012 here tonight.

Lui said last year Changi received a further 23 best airport awards, and remains the world's most awarded airport with over 390 accolades under its belt.

These awards recognise the airport's efforts to maintain its "best in class" status -– a remarkable achievement despite increasing competition from other air hubs in the region, he said.

The minister said the Review 2011 was a mixed one for the aviation industry, with passenger traffic continuing to grow from 2010 but a combination of high oil prices and global market volatility impacting the bottom lines of airlines worldwide.

Against an uncertain outlook, Lui commended CAG for continuously strengthening Changi's position as an international air hub and a major gateway to the region.

Lui said CAG's leadership and dedication to foster collaboration at all levels within the airport community, so as to provide passengers with a memorable Changi Experience, will remain a key driving force for Changi's future success.

Working closely with its airline partners, Changi added 10 new city links, and welcomed five new airlines last year.

The latest city link to Vientiane in November last year completes Changi's connection to all nine other Asean countries.