SINGAPORE, (AFP) - Singapore, a regional aviation hub, is to increase a rebate on landing fees and extend other financial incentives to help airlines amid the global economic crisis, the airport operator said last week.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said it will offer 130 million Singapore dollars (87.3 million US) worth of assistance for 2009 under an existing programme known as the Air Hub Development Fund.

The fund has been in place since 2003 but was due to expire on December 31, the CAAS said. The 130 million dollars is an increase from this year’s fund budget of 100 million dollars, it added.

“CAAS recognises the tough operating environment that airlines and airport partners are currently operating under... CAAS hopes to help them tide over the downturn,” said Lim Kim Choon, director-general and chief executive officer of CAAS. The fund will give airlines operating at the main Changi Airport and the smaller Seletar Airport a 25 percent landing fee rebate, up from the existing 15 percent, CAAS said. It added that a 15 percent rental rebate for tenants of offices, lounges and warehouses at the airports will continue.