Changi International Airport Services revitalises Operations

Ground handler Changi International Airport Services (CIAS) has launched a series of initiatives worth S$11 million in an aim to ensure it stays ahead in Singapore's competitive ground handling environment.

Projects lined up as part of CIAS' re-vitalisation include a new Commercially Important Passenger (CIP) lounge at Changi Airport's Terminal One, which boasts furnished facilities of over 440 square metres - the lounge is a joint venture with Cathay Pacific.

Gary Chapman, Chairman of CIAS, and President of Dnata & Emirates Group Associated Companies, said, "We are upbeat about the future of Singapore as a major aviation hub, and we want CIAS to continue playing an integral role in supporting and enhancing Changi airport's regional and international presence. To fulfill this vision, CIAS must revitalise itself to maintain its competitive edge and quality of services."

Other major capital investment projects in the pipeline include: an upgrade of the inflight catering facility; new ground support equipment; and large-scale IT projects for a new baggage reconciliation system, a new web-based cargo management system, and a new catering system. These are expected to be completed within the next year.

Georgie Ong, Chief Executive, CIAS, said, "We are revitalising our business strategies, adjusting our business development plans and aligning our corporate outlook with the Dnata group. This revitalisation programme will empower us to continue providing excellent service at the highest international standards, and stay ahead in the increasingly competitive ground handling industry." 

Reinforcing Singapore's standing as a leading aviation hub in the Asia Pacific region, CIAS will develop training initiatives jointly with Dnata and the Emirates Aviation College in Dubai, to create and offer courses to ground-handling agents, cargo agents and airlines in the region. CIAS will also become the regional training centre for Emirates' employees stationed in the region.

CIAS will also maximise the synergies with Dnata through such initiatives as joint procurement, joint marketing activities and a "Sharing of Excellence" programme to ensure the pollination of best practices between both organizations. It will also tap on Dnata's ties and experience in the Middle East to explore new business opportunities and overseas alliances.

"CIAS has decided to celebrate these positive developments by creating a new visual identity. The new identity deliberately retains the CIAS name, which has a strong history and brand loyalty in Singapore, while representing our energy and readiness to embrace the future. It is also a symbol of our commitment to growth and international expansion," said Mr Ong.

The new corporate identity reflects Dnata's corporate colours of blue and green, as well as its distinctive globe design.

Dnata, a division of the Dubai-based Emirates Group, acquired CIAS last year, adding Changi International Airport to its portfolio of overseas ventures. With a combined history of over 70 years of ground handling expertise, CIAS and Dnata now count more than 130 airline customers between them.

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