Despite the global economic slowdown in the second half of 2008, Singapore Changi Airport handled a higher volume of passenger traffic, with 37.7 million passenger movements handled in 2008, up 2.7 per cent from 2007. But the impact on cargo was more pronounced where, compared to 2007, airfreight movements dipped 2 per cent to register 1.86 million tonnes in 2008. ¡°Despite the difficult economic climate, Changi Airport has performed commendably in 2008,” said Cival Aviation Authority of Singapore’s (CAAS) director general and CEO, Lim Kim Choon. “We acknowledge that 2009 will be a challenging year and recognise the tough operating environment that airlines and airport partners are operating in. “CAAS is committed to help its partners at Changi ride out the downturn, through means such as the extension of the Air Hub Development Fund1.” As at 1 January 2009, Changi Airport is served by 83 airlines operating more than 4,670 weekly scheduled flights to 190 cities in 60 countries.