Good morning

Mr Zainudin Nordin,

Advisor, CIAS Employees Union,

Vice President, Human Resource, CIAS

Mr Kelvin Tan,

President, Aetos Security Management,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1                      It is my pleasure to join you today in commemorating Singapore’s 42^nd National Day.

2                      This year is expected to be another record year for Changi Airport.  Passenger traffic at Changi has reached new heights in the first six months of this year, growing at a rate of 5.4% over the same period last year.  We are likely to exceed the record set in 2006 of 35 million passengers if the trend continues for the next few months.

3                      The growth in passenger traffic is a result of the strong demand for regional air travel in Asia Pacific, and has been propelled by several factors, namely - a high population base, rising disposable income levels and liberalisation of air services arrangements - providing fertile ground for budget carriers to grow from strength to strength.

4                      At the same time, we recognise that the success of Changi would not have been possible without the companies and agencies in the Changi family working closely together.  Companies like CIAS and Aetos are what the Changi success story is about. 

5                      Yet as we celebrate our successes, we are mindful that the aviation industry continues to face numerous challenges.  These include the prospect of an avian flu pandemic, which will have an adverse impact on the industry, just as was the case with SARS in 2003. 

6          Singapore also needs to be vigilant and prepared to counter the threat of terrorism.  Where necessary, more stringent security measures have been introduced for the aviation industry.  There are also other challenges in the operating environment that we must gear up for – these include the threat of longer range and very large aircraft bypassing Singapore, as well as the increasing competition from regional and international airports.

7                      What can we do to stay ahead of these challenges?  Let us remind ourselves of the fundamentals.

8                      We must be attuned to the needs of our customers and constantly strive to provide the highest service standards.  This will not be an easy task, given growing customer expectations, but it can be achieved if we abide by the maxim of providing personalised and efficient customer service.

9                      We should also be mindful of the dynamic aviation landscape and adapt quickly to new challenges and opportunities.  I am pleased to note that CIAS and Aetos have constantly employed new technologies to improve work efficiencies and should continue to do so.  Work processes and procedures should also be constantly reviewed to ensure that we stay relevant.

10                    I am heartened to note the close cooperation between CIAS Management and the Union over the years.  With the dedication of each and every individual here, I am sure we can reach new heights and embrace the opportunities which the future brings.  I thank all of you for your contributions to Singapore’s standing as one of the premier air hubs in the region and wish you greater success in the years ahead.

11                    Thank you.