Introduction to Airports
Departure and Destination Airports
Departure Airport
Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport, commonly known as Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) operated by Changi Airport Group, is a major civilian airport situated in Singapore. It consists of one of the largest transportation hubs in Asia, establishing itself as a World-Class Aviation Hub.
The airports primary 2 long runways is home to over 40 airlines and acts as a hub for Singapore Airlines, Jetstar Asia, SilkAir and Scoot.
In 2019, Changi Airport was home to 68.3 million passengers.
By Skytrax World Airport Awards, Singapore Changi Airport sits comfortably in its throne, preserving its status as the World’s Best Airport for the 8th consecutive time.
Destination Airport
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (IATA: KUL, ICAO: WMKK) operated by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhard is Malaysia’s main international airport situated in Sepang, Malaysia. It consists of one of the major airports in Southeast Asia.
The airports primary 3 long runways is home to over 30 airlines and acts as a hub for Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and AirAsia X.
In 2019, KLIA was home to 62.3 million passengers.
By Skytrax World Airport Awards, Kuala Lumpur International Airport sits at the 63th position in the standings for World’s Best Airport, being a successor for its other neighboring regional airports.
The Story of Singapore Changi Airport
1960s
1959 - 1967
First Passenger Flight at Paya Lebar
On 28th October 1959, a Qantas’ Boeing 707 jetliner lands at Singapore’s first civil airport, Paya Lebar Airport.
Paya Lebar Airport Hits its Stride
By the year 1960, Paya Lebar Airport was handling 300,000 passengers with over 30,000 aircraft movements each year. As much as 11 airlines occupied 125 scheduled weekly flights in Singapore. The next two years saw Paya Lebar Airport attain one of the longest runways in Asia at that time. (2.7km!)
Exciting Arrivals Gain Attention
On 1st April 1967, the fastest and most powerful civil jet of its day, the BOAC Super VC-10 lands at Paya Lebar Airport.
The Story of Kuala Lumpur International Airport
1990s
1990 - 1999
Establishment of Malaysia Airports
Malaysia Airports has come a long way since its incorporation in 1992 when it was corporatised as Malaysia Airports Berhad from its previous standing as a state-run airport operator
KLIA? Subang International Airport?
On 1 June 1993, the ground breaking ceremony for KLIA took place when the government ruled under Mahathir Mohamed decided that the existing Kuala Lumpur Airport (Subang International Airport which is now known as Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport) could not handle future demand.
Opening of KLIA
In 1998, KLIA was opened. This also resulted in the demolition of Subang Airport’s Terminal 1 building. The IATA airport code KUL was transferred from Subang Airport, which currently handles only turboprop aircraft, general aviation and military aircraft. Subang Airport's IATA code has since been changed to SZB.
First Arrivals and Departures
The first domestic arrival was Malaysian Airlines MH1263 from Kuantan at 07 10 hrs and the first domestic departure was Malaysian Airlines MH1432 to Langkawi at 07 20 hrs.
The first international arrival was Malaysian Airlines MH 188 from Male at 07 30 hrs and the first international departure was Malaysian Airlines MH84 to Beijing
Operation Model of Changi Airport
Government-Owned With Decentralised Control
Singapore Changi Airport is operated by Changi Airport Group (CAG). The Singapore Government delegates control and operations to Changi Airport Group (CAG), therefore it is categorized under the model of Government-Owned With Decentralised Control.
Changi Airport Group (CAG) was formed on 16 June 2009, and the corporatisation of Changi Airport happened on 1 July 2009. CAG undertakes key functions focusing on airport operations and management, air hub development, commercial activities, and airport emergency services.
CAG also invests and manages foreign airports through their subsidiary Changi Airports International (CAI). CAI invests in other airports as well as giving consultancy and airport management services. CAI’s presence covers countries like China, Japan, India, etc.
Operation Model of Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Government-Owned With Decentralised Control
Kuala Lumpur International Airport is operated by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). MAHB is a publicly traded government linked company in which the government still has significant control and thus it under the category of Government owned with Decentralised Control.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) was formed in 1992, it was also incorporated as a public limited company and listed on the Malaysia Stock Exchange in 1999, becoming the first Asian airport operator to go public and only the sixth airport operator in the world to do so.
MAHB mainly focuses on management, operation, maintenance, and development of airports. MAHB manages 39 airports across Malaysia as well as one international airport in Turkey.
Air Traffic Statistics
Singapore Changi Airport VS Kuala Lumpur International Airport
2016 Changi
Passenger Numbers: 58.7million
Cargo Volume: 1.97million tonnes
Aircraft Movements: 360,500
2016 KLIA
Passenger Numbers: 52.65million
Cargo Volume: 1.90million tonnes
Aircraft Movements: 355,519
2017 Changi
Passenger Numbers: 62.2million
Cargo Volume: 2.13million tonnes
Aircraft Movements: 373,000
2017 KLIA
Passenger Numbers: 58.56million
Cargo Volume: 1.915million tonnes
Aircraft Movements: 386,054
2018 Changi
Passenger Numbers: 65.63million
Cargo Volume: 2.15million tonnes
Aircraft Movements: 386,000
2018 KLIA
Passenger Numbers: 59.98million
Cargo Volume: 2.006million tonnes
Aircraft Movements: 398,752
2019 Changi
Passenger Numbers: 68.30million
Cargo Volume: 2.01million tonnes
Aircraft Movements: 382,000
2019 KLIA
Passenger Numbers: 62.33million
Cargo Volume: 1.894million tonnes
Aircraft Movements: 407,286
