Singapore Changi Airport is hoping an upcoming link to Vladivostok in eastern Russia will be the first of many new Russian routes, as it looks to expand its long-haul network.
Vladivostok Avia will begin twice-weekly flights to Singapore, via Hong Kong, on 21 October.
Lim Ching Kiat, Changi senior vice-president market development, said the airport is "actively talking to Russian airlines" in a bid to attract additional Russian services.
"Over the last few years, Singapore to Russia traffic has been looking very good," he said, adding that there is "still room to grow" in this market and several Russian carriers are "quite interested" in initiating links between the two nations.
Changi is also focusing on airlines in Africa, Europe and North America with a view to further expand its long-haul network, and are at Routes to boost relations with carriers in those regions.
The airport is working towards announcing a service to Russia or Europe with a "significant airline" within the next 12 months, Kiat said.
Closer to home, China remains a key market and the airport is "working actively" to attract new Chinese routes.
Changi is "on track" in 2011 to break its record 42 million passenger barrier, which it achieved in 2010. It aims to break the 50 million barrier by 2013.
In terms of adding capacity, Changi senior vice-president corporate and marketing communications Ivan Tan said the airport has an "internal idea" of when it might look towards expansion, but "we are not ready to share those plans".
Source: Flight Daily News
