From correspondents in Singapore, Singapore, 09:30 AM IST

The ground-handling arm of Singapore Airlines (SIA) is keen on a new airport project in the Indian city of Hyderabad, the chief executive said in a published report Tuesday.

Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) has 'expressed interest' in the project, Ng Chin Hwee told The Straits Times, adding that it is in discussions with potential partners.

SATS recently won all three contracts it had bid for at Bangalore's new airport in cargo, passenger handling and catering.

Hyderabad's airport is scheduled to open in 2008.

SATS' overseas business earned 15.6 million Singapore dollars ($10.1 million) in the quarter, which ended Sep 30, a 1.3 percent hike over the corresponding period a year ago.

It has 16 joint ventures in eight Asian countries, including India and China.

'We have always articulated that we would like to expand regionally,' Ng said.

Prospects are bullish in Asia and the Middle East, he added.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)