SINGAPORE TO CUT AIRPORT FEES, IATA URGES NARITA TO FOLLOW

SINGAPORE TO CUT AIRPORT FEES, IATA URGES NARITA TO FOLLOW    Singapore-Changi International Airport will reduce charges and rates to airline users beginning May 1 to assist the air transport industry through the worst financial crisis in its history.
   The airport will rebate 30 percent of landing charges and reduce rent 10 percent through the end of the year, in addition to 15 percent reductions in landing and rental charges announced in November.
   The International Air Transport Association applauded the fee reductions by Singapore-Changi at a time when the aviation industry is struggling with the effects of the global economic slowdown, the specter of terrorism, war in Iraq and the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
   'As passenger numbers decline, particularly in Asia-Pacific, reigning in costs is essential for the survival of the industry. Changi's prudent and timely response should be the model for all or our airport and (service) providers,' said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA director general, in a statement.
   Bisignani wrote about 200 airports in early March urging them to cut their costs and pass on the savings to airlines.
   In addition to Changi, international airports in Taipei, Dubai, Cyprus, Athens, Melbourne, Brisbane and others have reduced some fees, according to IATA.
   'Surely this is the time for Tokyo's Narita airport to also give something back to the industry that supports it. IATA and its member airlines would like to see Narita follow the example set by Changi and reduce immediately and significantly its landing fees,' Bisignani said.