As aeration is an energy-intensive process, its control has become more important to save energy and to meet strict effluent limits. In this study, predictive aeration control based on the respirometric method has been applied to the sequencing batch reactor (SBR) process. The variation of the respiration rate by nitrification was great and obvious, so it could be a very useful parameter for the predictive aeration control. The maximum respiration rate due to nitrification was about 60 mg O2/L‧h and the maximum specific nitrification rate was about 7.5 mg N/g MLVSS‧h. The aeration time of the following cycle of the SBR was daily adjusted in proportion to that which was previously determined based on the sudden decrease of respiration rate at the end of nitrification in the respirometer. The aeration time required for nitrification could be effectively predicted and it was closely related to influent nitrogen loadings. By the predictive aeration control the aerobic period of the SBR has been optimized, and energy saving and enhanced nitrogen removal could be obtained.