Air Cargo Ground Handling in Singapore
Ensure all your flight support requirements are met for a smooth cargo operation on your flight to Singapore. Air cargo operation is an extremely grueling process that needs to be attended to carefully. Effective trip planning, obtaining permits on time, and efficient ground and cargo handling all contribute to a successful and punctual flight. To ensure smooth and safe cargo operations at San Antonio International Airport, read the article to the end.
Singapore International Airport Operations
Singapore has two airport options, each with their own pros and cons. Seletar (ICAO: WSSL, IATA: XSP) is the preferred airport option for many General Aviation (GA) operators. In recent years, Seletar has become a more viable option for larger GA aircraft due to its recent runway extension to 6,024 feet (ft.) (1,836 meters).
Changi International Airport (ICAO: WSSS, IATA: SIN) may be a better option under certain circumstances. It is possible to enter and leave from WSSL and WSSS 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with full aircraft services. There is plenty of aircraft parking at WSSL, no airport slots are required, and Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine processing is efficient. Commercial aviation takes precedence at WSSS, which is Singapore’s primary commercial airport. However, very little commercial activity is scheduled at WSSL since it is a GA airfield. In order to avoid peak hours at the WSSS airport, aircraft operators are advised to schedule flights outside of them:
Peak hours for arrivals
- 0305 to 0400 UTC (1105 to 1200 local)
- 0805 to 1000 UTC (1605 to 1800 local)
- 1305 to 1500 UTC (2105 to 2300 local)
Peak hours for departures
- 2205 to 0300 UTC (0605 to 1100 local)
- 1205 to 1400 UTC (2005 to 2200 local)
Clearance at Changi International Terminal
There is no provision for customs clearance onboard the aircraft in Singapore. The Commercially Important Person (CIP) terminal at WSSS (also called the general aviation terminal) is where all passengers must clear. It costs approximately 1,400 Singapore dollars for nine or fewer passengers to clear. At the end of terminal 2 there is the CIP terminal with its own private entrance at F59. The crew can either clear at the GA terminal for approximately 290 Singapore dollars per use or at the main terminal, which is free of charge. Main terminal is the clearing point for passengers and crew at WSSL. It usually takes about 10 minutes for five passengers to clear WSSS, but it may take about 30 minutes for 20 passengers.
The WSSS also has a VIP terminal, but this is only available for official diplomatic flights. When more than five passengers clear, customs must be notified so that more customs agents will be available to help. WSSL will clear five passengers in about 10 minutes. Airport fees include customs fees for either airport, which can be settled through the ground handler credit system.
WSSS has an aircraft parking area behind the freight terminal (called S.A.D.A.) that can accommodate aircraft up to the size of large private jets. Larger aircraft are parked in a separate area at WSSS. Please keep in mind that there may not be an optimal location for WSSS aircraft parking slots, making last-minute repositioning difficult. Your ground handler should be able to confirm this in advance if you plan to park your aircraft at WSSL for more than three hours. Advance notice and availability are often required to extend aircraft parking arrangements.
Changi Airport Ground Handling
GSPs at Changi Airport are required to adhere to CAG’s Ground Operations Safety Manual (GOSM) in order to carry out their ground handling safely. This document specifies the ground handling standards and procedures that must be followed at Changi Airport to operate safely. CAG seeks to mitigate safety risks associated with the following ground handlings:
- Arrival and departure of aircraft with power-in and power-out
- Powerback for aircraft;
- Marshalling aircraft;
- Bridge operation for passenger loading;
- Handling and loading of aircraft using GSE;
- Pushback of the aircraft;
- Towing of aircraft;
- Fueling an airplane.
GSPs shall ensure that any function that is outsourced is conducted safely by establishing direct oversight
Cargo Handling and Operations
At all times, the load carried by the vehicle must be secured; plastic sheeting may be used over the top of the load; however, it must always be placed underneath the cargo net and adequately tucked into the load’s edges so that it does not become potential FOD during transportation or in strong winds. A ULD is a container for bags or cargo:
- A suitable ULD base support system is always required when storing ULDs on the ground
- It is mandatory to secure non-motorized GSE like container/pallet dollies, trolleys, and maintenance steps with built-in braking mechanisms or chain them to the D-ring when parked (if applicable)
- Dollies (or trailers/trucks) shall be secured with Unit Load Devices (ULDs)
- During loading and unloading, pallets and containers dollies may only be towed with the turntables locked (“straight ahead”) and rotated only when the turntables are locked
- Locks, stops, rails, curtains, and straps must be used to properly secure loads on trolleys and dollies during transportation
Regulations for Safety
GSPs at Changi Airport shall use GOSM as one of the main ground handling documents. A deviation from the published GOSM must be reported to CAG by the GSP. Inspections and audits of CAG’s airside operations will be conducted in accordance with this document. Throughout this document, the word “shall” is always used to indicate a requirement. In the case of recommended practices, the word “should” will be used.
iJET Ground Handling Service
iJET could provide ground handling services to Singapore Changi Airport by providing quick, short notice and cost-effective third-party supervisors, helping operators to end this main ground handling challenge and end their struggle. The Ground Handling service is continuously monitored, inspected, and evaluated by our team to ensure that the high standards are always maintained.
