Changi flies into West Bengal

Singapore’s Changi Airports International (CAI) has invested Rs100 billion (US$2 billion) to acquire a 26% stake of Bengal Aerotropolis Projects (BAPL). CAI, the international arm of Changi Airport Group (CAG), is an investor and manager of airports worldwide and offers consultancy services to foreign airports. BAPL is developing the Durgapur Aerotropolis northwest of Kolkata, which will feature an industrial park, a logistics hub, an information technology park and a township around the airport. The Durgapur Aerotropolis is India’s first aerotropolis project. It is also CAI’s first investment in an Indian greenfield airport.

CAI has entered into a comprehensive technical service agreement to support the planning and development of Durgapur Airport, and will enter into an operations and management agreement to assist in the management of the airport once construction is completed. The Singaporean company will also provide a suite of technical services for the project, including reviewing the airport master plan, selecting consultants in the pre-construction phase, reviewing the detailed engineering design and the related infrastructure, training airport managers and assisting in preparations for operational readiness.

CAI chief executive officer Wong Woon Liong said in a press release: “The deal signifies an important step forward for CAI to participate in the growing Indian aviation industry.” CAG CEO Lee Seow Hiang added: “We believe the plan for this airport city will help deliver a vibrant new economic hub for the West Bengal region.”