CHANGI Airport's airlines and airport partners are getting a helping hand in coping with the global economic downturn.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) on Friday announced a renewed $130 million relief and incentive package under the existing Air Hub Development Fund (AHDF).

This marks a 30 per cent increase over the AHDF's annual budget for 2006-2008.

'CAAS recognises the tough operating environment that airlines and airport partners are currently operating under,' said CAAS Director-General and Chief Executive Officer Lim Kim Choon.

Last month alone saw a dip in passenger movements of more than 3 per cent to about 3 million, compared to November 2007.

In the same period, airfreight tonnage also fell by about 14 per cent.

Nevertheless, the first 11 months of this year saw Changi's passenger movements increase by more than 3 per cent to 34 million, as well as strong growth in weekly scheduled flights.

AHDF was first set up in 2003 at a budget of $210 million for a 3-year period.

This in a bid to help the aviation industry tide over the economic uncertainty at the time, and also strengthen Singapore's position as an aviation hub in the region.

It was renewed for another three years in 2005, with the latest extension till the end of 2009.

Among the measures in the package, a 25 per cent landing fee rebate will be given to airlines operating flights at Changi Airport and Seletar Airport.

This is 10 per cent points higher than the existing 15 per cent rebate.

Further, tenants of offices, airline lounges warehouses at Changi Airport and Seletar Airport will continue to enjoy a 15 per cent across-the-board rental rebate.