SATS investing millions in Changi upgrades

Singapore-based SATS announced an investment of over S$250 million for its Singapore Hub (SG Hub) to upgrade its ground operations and cargo handling infrastructure at Changi Airport. This investment includes over S$150 million to be spent over the next five years for the renewal and expansion of SG Hub’s ground support equipment (GSE) fleet – these are specialised commercial vehicles used to support airport operations – and S$100 million to enhance cargo operations over the next two years. These strategic initiatives will enhance operational reliability and safety, optimise turnaround times, and support growing cargo volumes at Changi Airport through to the mid-2030s when the new Terminal 5 and Changi East Industrial Zone (CEIZ) are projected to commence operations. These investments demonstrate SATS’ commitment to the Changi ecosystem as well as the importance of the Singapore Air Hub to our business globally. SATS established SG Hub on 1 October 2024 as a dedicated business division to support airport operations at Singapore’s Air Hub, which groups Changi Airport, Seletar Airport and the aviation industries at these gateways. The division strengthens SATS’ position as Changi Airport’s leading solutions provider, powered by a future-ready workforce and systems that drive the global competitiveness of Singapore’s Air Hub. SG Hub provides ground handling services such as passenger handling, baggage services, aircraft handling, security services and cargo handling services that are critical for safe, efficient and timely airport operations. Renewing SG Hub’s fleet of airport vehicles & equipment Investment size: Over S$150 million Timeframe: Five years (2025 to 2029) The GSE fleet modernisation project commenced on 1 April 2025. This project involves the renewal and refurbishment of over 500 specialised commercial vehicles and equipment, which is about 40% of SG Hub’s current GSE motorised fleet. As of January 2025, SG Hub operated a fleet of 1,300 motorised GSEs. , and the addition of over 100 new units to support growing business volumes. Elevating SG Hub cargo operations Investment size: S$100 million Timeframe: Two years (2025 to 2026) SG Hub will bolster cargo operations across its airfreight terminals to address growing volumes, with a multi-phase enhancement beginning from the middle of this year. In tandem with investments to enhance infrastructure and fleet assets, SG Hub is nurturing a future-ready and resilient workforce that is trained, organised and equipped to support traffic growth at Singapore’s airports. SG Hub’s focus on its People comes amid increasing competition in Singapore and internationally for talent in the aviation sector. Efforts on this front include job redesign to enhance meaningful and rewarding career pathways, upskilling initiatives, attracting new talent into its 7,800-strong workforce and leveraging technology like autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence to boost productivity. Henry Low, Chief Executive Officer, SATS Singapore Hub, said: “The multi-million dollar investments by SATS Singapore Hub mark an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to future-proof Singapore’s aviation ground handling and cargo operations. While the opening of Changi Airport Terminal 5 is about 10 years away, SATS is already undertaking extensive preparations to handle future operational demands by modernising our equipment and infrastructure alongside efforts to raise and sustain a future-ready and resilient workforce. “As a Singapore-headquartered multinational company, Changi Airport remains the cornerstone of our business strategy and a flagship hub for our global network. These upgrades and enhancements will enable us to support our airline customers more effectively and ensure that Singapore continues to excel as a world-leading air hub,” Low said. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]