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The hub of choice in South-East Asia, Changi Airport in Singapore is served by some 73 airlines, offering more than 3,600 flights to 172 cities in 54 countries. This year alone the gateway has welcomed seven new airlines, including Tiger Airways, Austrian Airlines and Thai AirAsia.

The impressive figures don't stop there. September's cargo numbers show a 10.2 percent increase over the corresponding month in 2003, while passenger traffic rose 8.8 percent.

It is no surprise to find the airport growing to meet demand. A new terminal - the airport's third - will come into operation in 2008. It will add 28 gates, some specifically designed for the Airbus A380 superjumbo and increase capacity by 20mppa (million passengers per annum), bringing total capacity to 64mppa.

In addition, a single-story facility especially for low-cost carriers, the first of its kind in Asia, is scheduled to be ready early in 2006. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has received bids from 28 companies for the tender to design and build the terminal and the winner will be announced late in 2004. It is expected to feature a simple and functional layout with the capability for future expansion. Tiger Airways has already committed to its use.

Other work at Changi includes the S$240m renovation of Terminal 2. More natural light and greenery will be introduced and the layout, amenities and retail offerings will undergo extensive improvement.

While developments such as these may be the norm for an expanding gateway, Singapore ? not usually associated with rapid or radical change ? has taken progress a step further and is assessing the working processes and operations behind such success. The ground handling market has come under particular scrutiny, and a dramatic shift is planned.

SWISSPORT JOINS THE FRAY

Singapore's decision to award a third ground handling licence is rooted in its airline-friendly ethos. The Asian Financial Crisis of the late 90s, 9/11 and SARS all hit the airline business hard but Changi reacted with lower charges, keeping both its business, and that of its airline customers, on an even keel.