Changi Airport appoints Lim Liang Song as CEO

Mr Lim, 51, will be the CEO of Changi Airports International with effect from 3 May 2011.

According to Changi Airport Group, Mr Lim joins CAI from Indigo Partners, where he was a Principal for the US-headquartered venture capital firm whose primary interest is in the air transportation industry. He takes over from Mr Wong Woon Liong, who will continue to be a member of the Changi Airport Advisory Group (CAAG).

Mr Lim Chin Beng, Chairman of CAI, said, “We welcome Liang Song to the Changi family. He brings with him invaluable experience in the area of aviation investments, including the development and management of a portfolio of aviation assets.”

Mr Lee Seow Hiang, CEO of Changi Airport Group, said, “Liang Song joins us at a very exciting time for CAG, as we step up our efforts on the international front to identify and participate in opportunities that will underpin our growth moving forward.”

Prior to joining Indigo Partners in 2005, Mr Lim held various management positions at Singapore Airlines. In his last role as Vice President, Company Planning, he was responsible for the airline’s corporate planning activities, including merger and acquisition strategies, fleet planning, fuel procurement and hedging.

“I am excited by the challenge that this opportunity presents,” said Mr Lim. “Changi has an outstanding track record of excellence and is a world-renowned name in aviation. I look forward to working with the CAI and CAG teams to leverage Changi’s expertise and experience to expand the group’s international presence.”

Mr Wong, 59, served as Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore for 15 years before retiring in 2007. He was subsequently appointed to the CAAG that year and assumed the position of CEO of CAI in August 2008.

Mr Lim Chin Beng thanked Mr Wong for his contributions to CAI. “Since Changi Airport’s corporatisation in July 2009, Woon Liong has driven increased collaboration and alignment between CAI and CAG to further refine CAI’s investment strategy. Under his leadership, CAI made key acquisitions with strategic investments in Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Ltd, a greenfield airport city project in Durgapur, India, and Gemina S.p.A., the holding company for Italy’s largest airport group, Aeroporti di Roma.

“He has also spearheaded the development of Changi’s portfolio through CAI’s consultancy and management services offered to overseas airports including in China, India, the Middle East and Europe. This includes a six-year management contract with Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia, a milestone project for CAI.”

Mr Lee added, “We are deeply appreciative of Woon Liong’s dedication, contributions and achievements for Changi Airport over the years. I am glad that we will continue to be able to benefit from his expertise, experience and passion for the airport business through his role at CAAG.”