Singapore Changi Airport handles a record 1.97 million tonnes in 2016
Air freight throughput at Singapore Changi Airport rose 6.3 per cent in 2016, compared to 2015, to a record 1.97 million tonnes.
Changi Airport ended the year on a high note after registering 177,360 air freight movements in December, representing an increase of 8.4 per cent.
Growth in air freight throughput was recorded across imports, exports and transshipments. Perishables and pharmaceuticals performed well, contributing much of total cargo throughput. Top markets wereChina, Australia, Hong Kong, the US and India.
In October 2016, the DHL Express South Asia Hub, a 24-hour express hub facility located within Changi Airfreight Centre, was officially opened. This has tripled DHL Express" cargo handling facility in Singapore. Together with SATS" upcoming eCommerce AirHub, expected to open later this year, these developments will boost Changi's position as a leading air cargo hub in Asia.
"2016 was a record-breaking year for Changi Airport with throughput both registering new peaks. We are also pleased with the introduction of many new city links as well as the launch of non-stop services to the United States," said Changi Airport Group CEO Lee Seow Hiang.
"Despite a backdrop of economic and socio-political uncertainties, we maintain a positive outlook for the year ahead. We see opportunities in emerging markets within Africa and eastern Europe. At the same time, we will continue to grow our long-haul routes to western Europe, and strengthen our connectivity within the region to secondary cities in Southeast Asia, China and India," he said.