Singapore’s Changi Airport has seen an increase in passenger numbers over the past year, the city-state airport operator announced today.
Passenger traffic to the airport was 8.3 per cent higher in October this year, compared to the same time last year.
The rise in passengers has been put down to stronger numbers from north-east and south Asia and a rise in budget travel.
The Changi Airport Group said that passenger traffic reached 3.88 million in October 2011, compared with 3.58 million in October 2010. But passenger growth in October was slower than in September, which saw a 12.5 per cent increase compared with last year.
There was also an increase in its cargo handling, with 163,100 tonnes handled in October – a 0.4 per cent increase.
Changi Airport is one of the major access points to South East Asia, and one of just seven in the world to handle more than 40 million passengers a year.
The airport saw 45.1 million travellers pass through it between August 2010 and August 2011.
Budget travel contributed the biggest growth with a 24.8 per cent jump, while full-service carriers saw passenger traffic increase by just 3.2 per cent.
Singapore Airlines recently announced the introduction of a new low-cost carrier, to be launched in 2012.
The budget airline, to be called Scoot, will launch in mid-2012 with no-frills flights to medium and short-haul destinations in Asia, Australia, and China.
The airline then plans to extend the service to Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
“We chose the name ‘Scoot’ for many reasons, not least because it‘s different. Rather than the tried-and-tired “airlines” this, “airways” that or “air” yawn, it’s short, sharp and snappy. It stands out,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO of Scoot.
“Besides difference, it conveys spontaneity, movement, informality and a touch of quirkiness — all attributes we intend this company to be known for.”
(Image: crazyegg95)
