Changi Airport Group (CAG) announced that in response to a request from Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS), it is granting to the ground handler a full apron handling licence, effective 1 May 2010.

This full licence will enable SATS to provide additional services such as aircraft marshalling and parking, tow-in/ push-back services and aircraft exterior cleaning, collectively termed as ‘technical ramp’ services. SATS’ current licence at Changi Airportcovers full passenger and cargo handling services, as well as baggage handling, ground transportation of baggage and cargo, and aircraft interior cleaning.

Citing experience drawn from its portfolio of overseas ventures, SATS expressed its interest to also offer technical ramp services at Changi Airport. CAG’s decision to grant a full licence follows a thorough evaluation of the viability of SATS’ proposal, including its capabilities in areas such as operational effectiveness, manpower deployment and safety compliance.

Mr Foo Sek Min, Executive Vice President, Airport Management of Changi Airport Group, said: “This full licence will increase to three, the number of ground handlers at Changi Airport offering technical ramp services to airlines. This is consistent with our approach to increase the competitiveness of the ground handling market at Changi, and to provide airlines with more choice within a sustainable aviation environment. CAG will work closely with SATS, a long and valued airport partner, as it prepares to start operations in this area.”

The full apron handling licence granted to SATS will expire in August 2014, concurrent with the expiry of its existing ground handling services agreement with CAG.