Passenger traffic from most regions enjoyed double-digit growth compared to April 2010. Eastern Europe registered the strongest year-on-year growth of 23%, followed by Southeast Asia (18%) and Western Europe (17%). Passenger traffic to Northeast Asia increased 10%, even as traffic to and from Tokyo and all of Japan declined by 34% and 28% respectively. More passengers were carried between Singapore and points such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Melbourne and London.

Low cost carriers, which account for about a quarter of Changi Airport’s passenger traffic, continued to be the growth driver, carrying 26% more passengers compared to a year ago. Full service carriers also enjoyed double-digit growth in passenger traffic of 10%. As at 1 May 2011, Changi serves some 100 airlines operating more than 5,600 flights to 200 cities in 60 countries and territories.

Buoyed by double-digit growth in cargo transshipments, airfreight movements at Changi Airport grew 6.1% to 155,812 tonnes in April 2011.

New Stores – French luxury fashion house Hermes has opened its third Changi store at Terminal 1’s Departure Transit Hall. With the opening of this store, Hermes now has an outlet in each of Changi’s three main terminals. Other new openings in the Departure Transit Halls include Burger King, Luxury Fashion and Osim in Terminal 1, and Top Orchids in Terminal 3.

Eu Yan Sang, a leading healthcare company with a core focus in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has opened two outlets in the Departure Halls of Terminal 1 and 2. Other new retail and dining options in the public areas include Perfumes & Cosmetics, a Relay bookstore and Wang Cafe in Terminal 1, Seafood Paradise in Terminal 2 and Chomel in Terminal 3.

Retail Promotion – In conjunction with Changi Airport’s 30th anniversary, Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Visa have launched the second run of the ‘Be a Changi Millionaire’ draw. From now till 30 November, shoppers and diners at Changi Airport qualify for the draw simply by spending a minimum of S$30 in a single receipt at Changi Airport, with the number of lucky draw chances increasing exponentially with the amount spent. Besides the million-dollar top prize, there are also 30 weekly cash prizes of S$1,000 each week.

CAG and Visa have also launched ‘Fabulous Fridays’, a 30-week shopping programme which features weekly deals at incredibly discounted prices. The programme will run every Friday until 30 November, with a different product featured every week. To be eligible to purchase the ‘Fabulous Fridays’ deal of the week, shoppers just need to spend a minimum of S$30 in a single receipt at Changi using their Visa card, or S$60 by other means.