At a celebratory ceremony on July 18 (see more here and here), the 30-year-old Singapore Changi Airport Terminal One (T1) revealed the aesthetic elements, as well as improved functionality resulting from a four-year renovation project. Business Traveller was invited to the event and given the opportunity to inspect the upgraded facility. Together with T2, renovated in 2006, and T3, which opened in 2008, the entire airport now features optimum services to facilitate seamless passenger processing.
About S$500 million (US$400 million) was spent on the renovations, and a total of 22,000 sqm was added to the terminal. In order to accomodate an increase in the volume of traffic, various upgrades were made to existing facilities.
Among the passenger-flow improvements is faster immigration. The counters, which remain at the previous number of 18, have been brought together in the centralised immigration zone.
Car drop-off has also been made easier at T1. There are now more taxi bays, and a 204-metre long canopy has been installed at the kerbside of departure check-in hall to provide more shelter and space for cars to stop.
The viewing deck area has also been expanded, and free wifi has been installed throughout the terminal. There is also more room for passengers to navigate or rest their feet with the enlarged walkway and gate holdrooms.
The new T1 also offers over 110 shopping and culinary options to suit even the most discerning customer. Altogether, the three terminals provide 300 food and beverage and retail outlets, which ensure passenger satisfaction. There are more entertainment facilities that cater to families, individuals and group travellers as well.
It's not just the hardware that has improved. Passengers with queries no longer need to search around for a service counter here, as there are 90 staff members in eye-catching uniforms all around the terminals, each equipped with an iPad to promptly provide any assistance and information to aid their journey.
Changi Airport officials will not stop with these enhancements. They have plans of converting an existing open-air car park into a mixed-use complex, which allows areas of T1, such as the baggage claim hall, arrival hall and taxi bays, to be increased.
Changi will also be adding a fouth terminal in the near future (see story here).
For more information, visit www.changiairport.com.
Delia Yin
