CALIFORNIA-based Aircraft Service International Group (ASIG) has been awarded the third ground-handling licence at Singapore Changi Airport, according to Changi Airport Group (CAG).

    With the 10-year licence, ASIG will be able to provide a full suite of passenger handling, apron handling and cargo handling services to some 100 airlines operating at Changi Airport. These services are provided by two agents - SATS Ltd and Changi International Airport Services (Private) Limited. In addition, SIA Engineering Company also provides "technical ramp services such as aircraft marshalling and parking, tow-in/push-back services and aircraft exterior cleaning.

    CAG's decision to grant a third ground handling licence follows a tender which saw proposals submitted by three of the four short listed parties. The tender evaluation considered many criteria including the sustainability of the proposer's business model, its ability to provide cost- and service-competitive services, its plans to drive innovation at Changi Airport and its track record. ASIG's proposal was judged to be the best and to have fully met the requirements of the tender.

    With customers that include carriers like Virgin Atlantic, SAS, JetBlue and Ryanair, ASIG has the experience and expertise to serve both full service and low cost carriers at Changi. The company presently has refuelling operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and has expressed an interest to expand its operations in Asia, including Singapore.

    Foo Sek Min, executive vice president, airport management of Changi Airport Group, said, "ASIG submitted a business plan that had the right mix of experience, innovative solutions and financial resources. As a third ground handler at Changi, ASIG will provide airlines at Changi Airport with more choice as well as potential benefits in terms of service quality, range of offerings and price."

    Changi Airport served 42 million passengers last year, an increase of 13 percent compared to 2009. Aircraft movements gained 9.7 per cent to 264,000 flights. For the first four months of this year, passenger traffic at Changi rose 10.5 per cent to 14.6 million.

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