Top airline partners honoured at Changi Airline Awards

Twenty-four awards were presented to the airline community across six categories at the 9th Changi Airline Awards on Tuesday evening.

The annual awards, organised by the Changi Airport Group, celebrate the partnership of airlines operating at Changi Airport and their contributions towards the growth of Singapore's air hub.

China Eastern Airlines received the Partner of the Year Award for its significant contributions to grow and strengthen services between China and Singapore.

China was the fifth largest source of passenger traffic for Changi Airport last year, with a total of 4.64 million passengers travelling between Singapore and China, a 6.4 per cent increase compared with 2012.

China Eastern Airlines is the largest Chinese carrier operating at Changi Airport in terms of passenger traffic.

The airline carried more than 650,000 passengers in 2013, and over the past five years, the number of passengers served by the airline increased at a compounded annual growth rate of more than 10 per cent.

The top five passenger carriers at Changi Airport last year were Singapore Airlines, Tigerair Singapore, SilkAir, Jetstar Asia and AirAsia Berhad.

In the cargo airlines category, Singapore Airlines Cargo continued to top the list, followed by FedEx Express, Cathay Pacific, EVA Airways and Air Hong Kong.

Speaking at the ceremony, Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew highlighted the need for close partnership within the airport community to adapt to the evolving aviation trends.

Mr Lui said: "To be an effective partnership, we must consult, listen, and work towards win-win solutions. With this close partnership in mind, we will continue to be sensitive to the needs of airlines. In particular, we appreciate the concern that airlines have with costs. We will continue to keep a close eye on it and ensure that Changi Airport remains competitive and offers good value for money."

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