International Air Transport Association 'disappointed' with new Changi Airport passenger levy
By Amir Yusof
28 Feb 2018 07:19PM (Updated: 28 Feb 2018 11:14PM)
SINGAPORE: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said that it is "disappointed" with the decision to charge travellers flying out of Changi Airport with a new levy to fund the development of Changi East and Terminal 5.
The global airline voice's regional vice-president (Asia Pacific) Conrad Clifford told Channel NewsAsia on Wednesday (Feb 28) that the industry is against pre-funding for infrastructure projects, where passengers and airlines have to pay for services and facilities they do not currently utilise.
"It is unfair to expect passengers and airlines to pay in advance for a facility they may or may not use in the future when the facility is ready. It also goes against the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) charging principle of cost relatedness – where passengers and airlines are charged for the cost of services actually used," he said.
He added that while IATA recognises that the Singapore Government will be bearing the "majority of the costs" for the development of Changi East and Terminal 5, it is "still disappointed" with the decision to proceed with the charges "despite the feedback provided by the industry".
"We are also hoping to have greater transparency on what is the projected cost of Changi East and Terminal 5, and how the costs are being apportioned between the government, Changi Airport Group, airlines and passengers," Mr Clifford said.
He stressed that aviation is an economic catalyst and the added capacity does not just benefit the aviation community but the entire Singapore economy, including tourism, trade and manufacturing.
"Making air travel more expensive for passengers will have a negative impact on travel, tourism, and as a result, aviation's contribution to an economy. Increasing charges for airlines could also affect the financial viability of their services to and from the airport," said Mr Clifford.
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https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...ointed-9999940