PICTURES

Changi Airport honours carriers; China Eastern, Jetstar among award recipients

Cabin crew uniforms from 26 different airlines operating at Changi Airport displayed in a fashion show at the Changi Airline Awards held at Pan Pacific Hotel, on April 29, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN
Cabin crew uniforms from 26 different airlines operating at Changi Airport displayed in a fashion show at the Changi Airline Awards held at Pan Pacific Hotel, on April 29, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN
Cabin crew uniforms from 26 different airlines operating at Changi Airport displayed in a fashion show at the Changi Airline Awards held at Pan Pacific Hotel, on April 29, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN
Cabin crew uniforms from 26 different airlines operating at Changi Airport displayed in a fashion show at the Changi Airline Awards held at Pan Pacific Hotel, on April 29, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN
Cabin crew uniforms from 26 different airlines operating at Changi Airport displayed in a fashion show at the Changi Airline Awards held at Pan Pacific Hotel, on April 29, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN
Cabin crew uniforms from 26 different airlines operating at Changi Airport displayed in a fashion show at the Changi Airline Awards held at Pan Pacific Hotel, on April 29, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN
China Eastern Airlines vice-president Mr Tian Liuwen (right) receives the Partner of the Year award on behalf of China Eastern Airlines from Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew (left) during the Changi Airline Awards 2014 held at the Pan Pacific Hotel on April 29, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN
China Eastern Airlines vice-president Mr Tian Liuwen (fourth from right) seen on stage with other winners after receiving the Partner of the Year award on behalf of China Eastern Airlines from Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew during the Changi Airline Awards 2014 held at the Pan Pacific Hotel on April 29, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN
China Eastern Airlines vice-president Mr Tian Liuwen (extreme right) receives the Partner of the Year award on behalf of China Eastern Airlines from Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew (second from right) during the Changi Airline Awards 2014 held at the Pan Pacific Hotel on April 29, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN
A China Eastern Airlines Corp. airplane is parked on the tarmac at Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai, China, on Saturday on May 12, 2012. -- FILE PHOTO: BLOOMBERG

Changi Airport Group honoured its key airline partners at an annual event on Tuesday night.

Bagging the top prize was Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines which was named Partner of the Year for its commitment to the Singapore air travel market.

Other carriers that received mention included Singapore Airlines as well as budget carriers Tigerair, Jetstar Asia and AirAsia. FedEx Express and Etihad Airways were also called on stage for their contributions to the cargo sector. In all, 24 awards were given out.

Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew who was chief guest at the event held at the Pan Pacific hotel said Changi Airport must continue to forge and strengthen partnerships for its continued success.

He said: "To be an effective partnership, we must consult, listen and work towards win-win solutions. With this close partnership in mind, we will continue to be sensitive to the needs of airlines. In particular, we appreciate the concern that airlines have with costs. We will continue to keep a close eye on it and ensure that Changi Airport remains competitive and offers good value for money."

Changi Airport will continue to work closely with airlines and other partners amid challenges, said Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Changi Airport Group's chief executive officer.

Traffic growth at Changi has moderated in the last few months but the long-term prospects are strong, he said.

"As many veterans in this room will attest, while the aviation industry is inherently sexy, it is hopelessly volatile and unceasingly competitive."

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