Changi Airport Group (CAG) has introduced a package of support measures for its cargo partners, which will provide the sector with up to S$14 million in cost relief against the backdrop of a challenging outlook for the global airfreight industry. These measures, which include a one-time Special Assistance Package (SAP) for cargo agents and the extension of a landing fee rebate for scheduled freighter flights, applying for a year starting from April 1, 2016.

Currently, cargo agents leasing cargo facilities from CAG at the Changi Airfreight Centre enjoy an incentive scheme which rewards them based on the volume of cargo handled. This scheme will be extended to 2016/2017 to provide Changi’s cargo partners with continued cost assistance while encouraging growth.

In addition, in view of the uncertain industry outlook, CAG will be enhancing the scheme in 2016/17 with a one-time SAP to provide increased cost support to the cargo partners. With this enhancement, cargo agents that achieve strong growth will potentially be able to enjoy cost relief equivalent to a rebate of up to 45 percent on their annual rental.

On top of this, CAG will be extending the existing 30 percent landing fee rebate for scheduled freighter operations for another year to March 31, 2017. In total, these measures for 2016/2017 will amount to about S$14 million in cost savings.

Air cargo demand has been subdued by a tough global economic environment, feeble world trade and a slowdown in China’s economy. Consequently, global airfreight volumes experienced a modest growth of 2.2 percent in 2015, a slower rate compared to 2014, with all major regions recording weakness in airfreight traffic, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

“The soft industry outlook is likely to continue in 2016, due to continued headwinds brought about by weaker economic conditions and slowing global trade. In light of the trying business conditions, we are committed to support our cargo partners through these difficult times. Amid the challenges, we hope that CAG’s package of support measures for our cargo partners will serve as a source of optimism,” said Mr Lim Ching Kiat, Senior Vice President, Market Development, Changi Airport Group.

Changi Airport is among the world’s top ten airports for international airfreight movements. In 2015, it handled 1.85 million tonnes of cargo, a 0.5 percent growth year-on-year, with the growth of transhipment volumes outweighing lower import and export volumes. During the year, the addition of three freighter airlines - My Indo Airlines, Polar Air Cargo and AirBridgeCargo - enhanced Changi’s cargo network. Pharmaceuticals was one of the best performing cargo segments at Changi Airport last year, growing 45 percent year-on-year, albeit from a small base.