Passenger traffic hit an all-time high of 36.7 million, but the airport recorded slower growth in this area.

Last year's tally marked a 4.8 per cent increase over 2006's figure, the lowest in three years.

In 2006, year-on-year traffic jumped 8 per cent; in 2005, the total number of passengers grew more than 5 per cent over 2004's figure.

Industry watchers have put Singapore's relatively slow growth down to its starting from a higher base.

And as that base increases year after year with more passengers handled - as rival airports in the region vie for premier air hub status - Changi will have to work twice as hard to pull in the traffic and outdo itself.

Announcing the latest numbers yesterday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) also cited two other records:

The more than 3.5 million passengers who passed through Changi last month was the highest ever in a single month; and

The 125,000 passengers on Dec 15 was the airport's record in a single day.

Overall, 2007 was 'a good year', said CAAS director-general and chief executive officer Lim Kim Choon, who cited the take-off of the world's first Airbus 380 commercial flight from Changi as a highlight.

The year also saw five new airlines, including Etihad Airways from the United Arab Emirates and homegrown Jett8 Airlines Cargo, join the Changi family.

Apart from these new carriers, the jump in passenger traffic can be traced to continued strong growth from key markets like China and India, said CAAS.

One area was down though - cargo volume.

This fell 0.9 per cent to 1.89 million tonnes as a result of softening demand for electronics in the United States and manufacturers switching to sea freight to save on high jet fuel charges.

Mr Lim said he believes more good things are in store this year for Changi, now served by 81 airlines flying to 190 cities in 60 countries.

The opening of Terminal 3 earlier this month, for example, puts the airport in a good position to tap demand for air travel, he said.

With four terminals, including one for low-cost carriers, Changi's annual handling capacity is now about 70 million.

karam@sph.com.sg