New corporate structure unveiled at Changi

Nicole Mezzasalma

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The restructured Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and newly-created Changi Airport Group introduced on July 1

Singapore Changi airport has launched a new corporate structure today (July 1). Under the new organisation, the restructured Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will focus on the “development of the air hub and aviation industry in Singapore as a whole as well as the provision of air navigation services”, while the newly-created Changi Airport Group (CAG) will concentrate on running and managing the airport itself.

CAAS said in a statement that it had been preparing for the changes since Singapore minister of transport and second minister for foreign affairs Raymond Lim first announced the plan to privatise Changi airport in 2007, adding that “operational separation between the two new entities with their assigned staff was smoothly effected three months before the eventual corporatisation”.

General director Yap Ong Heng added: “CAAS will be an enabler of the civil aviation sector, with the goal of making Singapore a global hub of aviation excellence. We will also enable opportunities through aviation—trade, business and people connections; enterprise and ventures; employment and individual pursuits. Working with our partners and stakeholders, CAAS aims to enhance aviation’s significant contribution to Singapore’s economic development and position as a global city.”

Changi Airport Group will be responsible for investment in foreign airports as well as operating Changi airport. The Singapore government is also set to enter negotiations with Asian investment company Temasek Holdings with regard to the sale of CAG to Temasek.

CAG CEO Lee Seow Hiang said: “Our mission is to be the world’s leading airport company, growing a vibrant air hub in Singapore and extending our reach beyond our shores. We believe that people are the essence in achieving success. We want to be a customer-focused company, and a people-first organisation. Only a strong team of committed and passionate people can fulfil our dreams of service excellence to our customers, airline and airport partners. By attracting, retaining and growing our fair share of talent, we will be able to achieve our vision of building a company where ordinary people achieve extraordinary results.”