Written Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran to Parliamentary Question on Contingency Measures at Changi Airport's Air Cargo Processing Facilities to Minimise Disruption when Ground Staff are Infected with COVID-19

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     what contingency measures are in place at Changi Airport’s air cargo processing facilities to minimise disruption from ground staff becoming infected by COVID-19;

b.     what are the reasons for the reported delays in early 2022 despite this;

c.     how severe have been the knock-on effects to supply chains using Singapore as a hub; and

d.     will Changi Airport increase operational resilience to safeguard Singapore's hub reputation.

Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:

1.     Over the past two years, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) have worked with aviation companies to keep aviation frontline workers safe and ensure that our airport and air cargo facilities can continue operating amidst a dynamic COVID-19 situation. Safeguards have been put in place to mitigate the risk of transmission including vaccination, a regime of frequent testing, donning of personal protective equipment (PPE), and Safe Management Measures (SMMs). Aviation companies, including Changi Airport Group (CAG) and SATS, have developed business continuity plans (BCPs) in the event of staff absenteeism due to COVID-19.

2.     SATS has clarified that one of the reasons for the recent disruption at its facility at the Changi Airfreight Centre was a sudden spike in COVID-19 infections among its cargo coordinators who are specialists responsible for checking and breaking down cargo pallets at the Import Terminal. This occurred amidst a surge in cargo volume in the lead up to Chinese New Year, which was about 20% higher compared to last year. This resulted in a backlog of unprocessed cargo and delays in shipments for collection by the cargo agents and disrupted the smooth flow of goods in and out of Singapore.

3.     According to SATS almost all the cargo received between 26 January and 3 February has either been collected by the cargo agents or is ready for collection. For the remaining cargo, SATS has finalised the status of the shipments with freight forwarders. SATS will assess all claims and work closely with its insurers on possible compensation.

4.     The key aviation companies have been asked to review and further strengthen their BCPs to enhance their operational resilience.