Growth in the global aviation transport was felt in Singapore, where Singapore International Airport at Paya Lebar, Singapore's third civilian airport after Seletar Airport (from 1930 to 1937) and Kallang Airport (from 1937 to 1955), was facing congestion problems. Opened in 1955 with a single runway and a small passenger terminal, its inability to cope with the rising traffic became critical by the 1970s, when passenger numbers rose dramatically from 300,000 to 1,700,000 passengers annually in 1970, and then to 4,000,000 annually in 1975.
The government had two options available: expand the existing airport at Paya Lebar or build a completely new airport at another location. After extensive study, a decision was made in 1972 to keep the airport at Paya Lebar as recommended by a British aviation consultant. Plans were created for the building of a second runway and an extensive redevelopment and expansion to the passenger terminal building. A year later, however, the plans were reviewed again due to the 1973 oil crisis.
Concerned that the existing airport was located in an area with potential for urban growth which would physically hem it in on all sides and limit its physical growth, the government subsequently decided in 1975 to build a new airport at the eastern tip of the main island at Changi on the site of the existing Changi Airbase, where the new airport would be easily expandable by land reclamation. However, the airport still had to be expanded during that period of time as there was an increase in traffic at that time. In addition, airplanes could fly over the sea, avoiding noise pollution issues within residential areas like those at Paya Lebar and helping to avoid disastrous consequences on the ground in the event of an air mishap. The existing airport in Paya Lebar was subsequently converted for military use as the Paya Lebar Airbase.
The government had two options available: expand the existing airport at Paya Lebar or build a completely new airport at another location. After extensive study, a decision was made in 1972 to keep the airport at Paya Lebar as recommended by a British aviation consultant. Plans were created for the building of a second runway and an extensive redevelopment and expansion to the passenger terminal building. A year later, however, the plans were reviewed again due to the 1973 oil crisis.
Concerned that the existing airport was located in an area with potential for urban growth which would physically hem it in on all sides and limit its physical growth, the government subsequently decided in 1975 to build a new airport at the eastern tip of the main island at Changi on the site of the existing Changi Airbase, where the new airport would be easily expandable by land reclamation. However, the airport still had to be expanded during that period of time as there was an increase in traffic at that time. In addition, airplanes could fly over the sea, avoiding noise pollution issues within residential areas like those at Paya Lebar and helping to avoid disastrous consequences on the ground in the event of an air mishap. The existing airport in Paya Lebar was subsequently converted for military use as the Paya Lebar Airbase.
The airport was one of the largest single development projects in its history. The original master plan for Changi Airport involved constructing a dual-terminal and dual-runway configuration over two phases with provisions for another two passenger terminals in the future. Phase 1 included the construction for the first passenger terminal, the first runway, 45 aircraft parking bays, support facilities and structures, including a large maintenance hangar, the first fire station, workshops and administrative offices, an airfreight complex, two cargo agents buildings, in-flight catering kitchens and an 80 metre (262 ft) control tower. Construction for the second phase would commence immediately after the completion of Phase 1 and include the second runway, 23 new aircraft parking bays in addition to the existing 45 bays, a second fire station and a third cargo agent building.
Land reclamation works involving the use of over 52,000,000 cubic meters (68,000,000 yd³) of landfill and seafill began in Changi in June 1975, even as the airport at Paya Lebar was still in the midst of expansion works. About 2 square kilometers (494 acres) of swamp land was cleared and filled with 12,000,000 cubic meters (15,700,000 yd³) of earth from the nearby hills, while another 40,000,000 cubic meters (52,300,000 yd³) of sand from the seabed were used to reclaim land. Canals were built to drain water from three existing rivers, namely Sungei Tanah Merah Besar, Sungei Ayer Gemuroh and Sungei Mata Ikan. In total, 8.7 km² (2,2 acre) were reclaimed, raising the total site area to 13 km². Of this, landfill accounted for 2 km² (500 acre (2 km²)) while seafill represented 6.7 km² (1,700 acre). The construction also demolished 558 buildings, exhuming around 4100 graves, a 15 inch (381 mm) gun emplacement at Changi, diverting the three streams to the western side of the former Royal Air Force runway, which was to be used for the new 4,000 meter runway. All of these works were completed in May 1977. From 1977 to 1979, it was used to pile-driving the foundation of Terminal 1 and other buildings as well. The foundation stone was laid for Terminal 1 in August 1979. The 78m high control tower is built on reclaimed land, with its design becoming an icon for the airport. The original name of the control tower was "Aitropolis", but was seldom used. The column-free hangar had an area almost as large as the Padang could hold three Boeing 747s. Its roof was constructed in Batam, and was shipped to the city-state in four separate sections by barge. A special jetty was build on the coast to obtain fuel from the Western Islands by shipping it round the coast. The fuel was to be pumped a mile to the airport fuel station run by six oil companies on the north-eastern perimeter. The pipelines then leads to all the parking bays through a pipe some five meters below ground level.
The first phase costing about S$1.3 billion commenced commercial operation on July 1, 1981 with the first flight, Singapore Airlines SQ101 touching down at 0700 hours Zulu with 140 passengers from Kuala Lumpur. Officially opened with much fanfare five months later on December 29, 1981, the airport ended its first year operations with 12.1 million passengers, close to 200,000 tonnes of air freight handled and 63,100 aircraft movements. Despite the airport opening in 1981, some sections of the airport were not fully completed. The big aircraft hangar was only completed in 1982, and the first runway was fully completed only in 1983. It was then when the now defunct government deparment, the Public Works Department, Singapore then decided to focus on the construction of the second runway on the reclaimed land east of the Terminal 1. The sections of phase 2 opened progressively over the next few years with the completion of a second runway as well as other facilities. In 1985, the construction work on Terminal 2 started, south of Terminal 1. Terminal 2 was completed in 1989, and was opened in November 1990 with its official opening on June 1, 1991 by the then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. The opening of the second terminal was way ahead of passenger demand.
Land reclamation works involving the use of over 52,000,000 cubic meters (68,000,000 yd³) of landfill and seafill began in Changi in June 1975, even as the airport at Paya Lebar was still in the midst of expansion works. About 2 square kilometers (494 acres) of swamp land was cleared and filled with 12,000,000 cubic meters (15,700,000 yd³) of earth from the nearby hills, while another 40,000,000 cubic meters (52,300,000 yd³) of sand from the seabed were used to reclaim land. Canals were built to drain water from three existing rivers, namely Sungei Tanah Merah Besar, Sungei Ayer Gemuroh and Sungei Mata Ikan. In total, 8.7 km² (2,2 acre) were reclaimed, raising the total site area to 13 km². Of this, landfill accounted for 2 km² (500 acre (2 km²)) while seafill represented 6.7 km² (1,700 acre). The construction also demolished 558 buildings, exhuming around 4100 graves, a 15 inch (381 mm) gun emplacement at Changi, diverting the three streams to the western side of the former Royal Air Force runway, which was to be used for the new 4,000 meter runway. All of these works were completed in May 1977. From 1977 to 1979, it was used to pile-driving the foundation of Terminal 1 and other buildings as well. The foundation stone was laid for Terminal 1 in August 1979. The 78m high control tower is built on reclaimed land, with its design becoming an icon for the airport. The original name of the control tower was "Aitropolis", but was seldom used. The column-free hangar had an area almost as large as the Padang could hold three Boeing 747s. Its roof was constructed in Batam, and was shipped to the city-state in four separate sections by barge. A special jetty was build on the coast to obtain fuel from the Western Islands by shipping it round the coast. The fuel was to be pumped a mile to the airport fuel station run by six oil companies on the north-eastern perimeter. The pipelines then leads to all the parking bays through a pipe some five meters below ground level.
The first phase costing about S$1.3 billion commenced commercial operation on July 1, 1981 with the first flight, Singapore Airlines SQ101 touching down at 0700 hours Zulu with 140 passengers from Kuala Lumpur. Officially opened with much fanfare five months later on December 29, 1981, the airport ended its first year operations with 12.1 million passengers, close to 200,000 tonnes of air freight handled and 63,100 aircraft movements. Despite the airport opening in 1981, some sections of the airport were not fully completed. The big aircraft hangar was only completed in 1982, and the first runway was fully completed only in 1983. It was then when the now defunct government deparment, the Public Works Department, Singapore then decided to focus on the construction of the second runway on the reclaimed land east of the Terminal 1. The sections of phase 2 opened progressively over the next few years with the completion of a second runway as well as other facilities. In 1985, the construction work on Terminal 2 started, south of Terminal 1. Terminal 2 was completed in 1989, and was opened in November 1990 with its official opening on June 1, 1991 by the then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. The opening of the second terminal was way ahead of passenger demand.
Singapore Changi Airport has a development policy of always building years ahead of demand to help to avoid congestion problems common in major airports and maintain high service standards. While the original master plan details plans for two passenger terminals, there have been provisions to provide for long-term expansion initiatives, including the allocation of space for a third terminal planned to have a physical configuration mirroring that of Terminal 2.
Plans for Terminal 3 were reviewed, resulting in a new design concept which departs from the largely utilitarian architecture in the first two terminals. The terminal is designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and CPG Corporation and topped by a unique roof feature, the terminal is equipped with a full-service nine-story Crowne Plaza Hotel on its premises. Officials commenced construction in 1999 after receiving the green light in December 1996. Originally planned for completion in 2006, the date was postponed by two years after global terrorism concerns delayed growth of air traffic in the airport. On 30 May 2006, a topping out ceremony for the terminal was conducted, and when opened on 9 January 2008, will increase the airport's total capacity to 70 million passengers.
Changing needs in the aviation industry led to reviews in the masterplan, resulting in the decision to cater to the high-end as well as budget sectors of the air travel industry. Although the pioneering airport to conceptualise and construct a Budget Terminal in Asia, it became operational on 26 March 2006 a few days after the opening of a similar terminal in Kuala Lumpur, and was officially opened on 31 October 2006. A dedicated stand-alone CIP terminal opened by JetQuay on 29 September 2006 is a first in Asia. The name of the Budget Terminal was decided as a result of a naming contest open to the public. The terminal is not included in the numbering scheme even though it is the third terminal to be opened and Terminal 3 will actually be the fourth terminal to be opened at the airport.
Even as new terminals are being built, the airport continuously upgrades and expands its existing terminals. Terminal 1 went through its first major refurbishment in 1995 at a cost of S$170 million, prior to the commencement of expansion works a year later to add 14 aerobridges at a cost of S$420 million, which was completed in 1999. Terminal 2 was similarly expanded almost immediately after its opening in 1990, with the addition of two piers of aerobridges costing S$330 million and completed in 1996. In 2002, work commenced on the new Changi Airport Skytrain as well as the Terminal 2 building, and on 13 September 2006, the airport marked the completion of an extensive upgrade costing S$240 million in Terminal 2, which included an updated glass-fronted facade, interior decor, and terminal layout modifications.
With the impending arrival of Code F aircraft such as the Airbus A380, the airport put into place modifications works costing S$60 million, which it has planned for since the late 1990s. These included the building of 19 gates capable of handling the large aircraft, eight of which are in Terminal 3. Baggage claim carousels, runways, and taxiways were expanded, and two new freighter aircraft stands and two remote aircraft parking stands built. Two taxiway bridges spanning Airport Boulevard also had shields installed on either side to shield the road from the jet blast. On 11 November 2005, the airport became the first outside Europe to receive the Airbus A380 for airport compatibility verification tests, and was the first in the world to have an operational triple-passenger loading bridge fit for trails.
Future plans
Given limited land resources, Changi Airport was first conceptualised to function as the country's sole airport for the foreseeable future without the need for relocation or the building of another airport when passenger figures increased. Long-term plans for the airport thus gave physical provisions in the form of reclaimed land nearly equal in size to that of the existing airport, with enough space for two more runways and at least two new passenger terminal buildings. In 2006, a short runway was opened for Changi Airbase (East) on the site, an interim measure in preparation for its eventual expansion for passenger flights.
Extensive upgrading works in Terminal 1 similar in scale to the recently completed works at Terminal 2 will commence in September 2007. Resurfacing works costing S$50m on its dual runways and older taxiways will also be conducted. Terminal 3 will be tested later in 2007 to prepare for its 2008 opening. Changi Airport will also continue to improve the security systems of Changi Airport such as access controls and surveillance systems to make the airport safer for travellers. Transport Minister Raymond Lim also added that the "software" of the airport had to be improved as well.
Plans for Terminal 3 were reviewed, resulting in a new design concept which departs from the largely utilitarian architecture in the first two terminals. The terminal is designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and CPG Corporation and topped by a unique roof feature, the terminal is equipped with a full-service nine-story Crowne Plaza Hotel on its premises. Officials commenced construction in 1999 after receiving the green light in December 1996. Originally planned for completion in 2006, the date was postponed by two years after global terrorism concerns delayed growth of air traffic in the airport. On 30 May 2006, a topping out ceremony for the terminal was conducted, and when opened on 9 January 2008, will increase the airport's total capacity to 70 million passengers.
Changing needs in the aviation industry led to reviews in the masterplan, resulting in the decision to cater to the high-end as well as budget sectors of the air travel industry. Although the pioneering airport to conceptualise and construct a Budget Terminal in Asia, it became operational on 26 March 2006 a few days after the opening of a similar terminal in Kuala Lumpur, and was officially opened on 31 October 2006. A dedicated stand-alone CIP terminal opened by JetQuay on 29 September 2006 is a first in Asia. The name of the Budget Terminal was decided as a result of a naming contest open to the public. The terminal is not included in the numbering scheme even though it is the third terminal to be opened and Terminal 3 will actually be the fourth terminal to be opened at the airport.
Even as new terminals are being built, the airport continuously upgrades and expands its existing terminals. Terminal 1 went through its first major refurbishment in 1995 at a cost of S$170 million, prior to the commencement of expansion works a year later to add 14 aerobridges at a cost of S$420 million, which was completed in 1999. Terminal 2 was similarly expanded almost immediately after its opening in 1990, with the addition of two piers of aerobridges costing S$330 million and completed in 1996. In 2002, work commenced on the new Changi Airport Skytrain as well as the Terminal 2 building, and on 13 September 2006, the airport marked the completion of an extensive upgrade costing S$240 million in Terminal 2, which included an updated glass-fronted facade, interior decor, and terminal layout modifications.
With the impending arrival of Code F aircraft such as the Airbus A380, the airport put into place modifications works costing S$60 million, which it has planned for since the late 1990s. These included the building of 19 gates capable of handling the large aircraft, eight of which are in Terminal 3. Baggage claim carousels, runways, and taxiways were expanded, and two new freighter aircraft stands and two remote aircraft parking stands built. Two taxiway bridges spanning Airport Boulevard also had shields installed on either side to shield the road from the jet blast. On 11 November 2005, the airport became the first outside Europe to receive the Airbus A380 for airport compatibility verification tests, and was the first in the world to have an operational triple-passenger loading bridge fit for trails.
Future plans
Given limited land resources, Changi Airport was first conceptualised to function as the country's sole airport for the foreseeable future without the need for relocation or the building of another airport when passenger figures increased. Long-term plans for the airport thus gave physical provisions in the form of reclaimed land nearly equal in size to that of the existing airport, with enough space for two more runways and at least two new passenger terminal buildings. In 2006, a short runway was opened for Changi Airbase (East) on the site, an interim measure in preparation for its eventual expansion for passenger flights.
Extensive upgrading works in Terminal 1 similar in scale to the recently completed works at Terminal 2 will commence in September 2007. Resurfacing works costing S$50m on its dual runways and older taxiways will also be conducted. Terminal 3 will be tested later in 2007 to prepare for its 2008 opening. Changi Airport will also continue to improve the security systems of Changi Airport such as access controls and surveillance systems to make the airport safer for travellers. Transport Minister Raymond Lim also added that the "software" of the airport had to be improved as well.
Runways
Changi Airport has two parallel runways, 02L/20R and 02C/20C, each 60 m wide and 4000 m (13,123 ft) long. 02L/20R was completed and opened in 1981 as part of the airport's first phase. 02C/20C, formerly 02R/20L, was built completely on reclaimed land and opened with phase 2, 1.6 kilometers (1.0 mi) apart from 02L/20R. Both runways are equipped with four sets of Instrument Landing Systems to guide landing aircraft safely under all weather conditions. Runway 20R has a displaced threshold of 740 m (2,428 ft) making it 3,260 m (10,696 ft) long.
A new parallel runway 02R/20L (previously named 01/19 when opened in 2004) was built 1.8 kilometers (1.1 mi) to the east of 02C/20C, currently used only by Republic of Singapore Air Force aircraft as part of Changi Airbase (East).[2] The new runway is expected to be extended and eventually be turned into a third runway for the airport in future expansion plans.
Changi Airport has two parallel runways, 02L/20R and 02C/20C, each 60 m wide and 4000 m (13,123 ft) long. 02L/20R was completed and opened in 1981 as part of the airport's first phase. 02C/20C, formerly 02R/20L, was built completely on reclaimed land and opened with phase 2, 1.6 kilometers (1.0 mi) apart from 02L/20R. Both runways are equipped with four sets of Instrument Landing Systems to guide landing aircraft safely under all weather conditions. Runway 20R has a displaced threshold of 740 m (2,428 ft) making it 3,260 m (10,696 ft) long.
A new parallel runway 02R/20L (previously named 01/19 when opened in 2004) was built 1.8 kilometers (1.1 mi) to the east of 02C/20C, currently used only by Republic of Singapore Air Force aircraft as part of Changi Airbase (East).[2] The new runway is expected to be extended and eventually be turned into a third runway for the airport in future expansion plans.
Singapore Changi Airport has three terminals, two of which are connected by a people mover system, with a fourth terminal (Terminal 3) under construction and due to become operational on 9 January 2008. A terminal for low-cost carriers has been completed and started operation in late March 2006. In September 2006, JetQuay was opened for the high-end spectrum of the air traveling public, bringing the total handling capacity to 48 million passengers a year spread over an area of 683,020 square metres (7,351,966 ft²).
With Changi-based Singapore Airlines being the launch customer for the Airbus A380, works to ensure full capability in handling the large aircraft was given priority in time for its planned introduction in October 2007. On August 16, 2005, Changi Airport unveiled the first of eleven specially-built gates capable of handling the giant aircraft. Costing S$15 million, the gates or 'fingers' enable passengers to get on the upper cabin of the new 555-seater aircraft directly from the gate holdrooms. The holdrooms themselves have been enlarged and appointed to cater for the larger number of passengers flying the A380s. Beside the 11 new gates at Terminal 1 and 2, there will be eight more A380-capable gates at the new Terminal 3, ready in January 9 2008.
In all, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore spent S$60 million in upgrading the terminals and airport infrastructure ahead of the arrival of the first A380. In the terminals, besides enlarged gate holdrooms and new fingers, the baggage belt carousels at the A380 gates were extended from the normal 70 meters (230 ft) to 90 meters (295 ft). With these new carousels in place, the airport does not expect embarking and disembarking passengers and baggage from the A380 to take longer than it does for the Boeing 747-400s, which carry significantly fewer passengers.
Changi Airport was the second in Asia (after Kuala Lumpur International Airport) to open a dedicated terminal catering to the budget traveller. In order to offer lower landing fees, handling fees and airport taxes, it cuts back on amenities such as aerobridges, elaborate physical structures and decorations in the passenger terminal building. Still, air-conditioning, a range of duty-free shops and food & beverage outlets, and free internet terminals are available. There is no transfer facility at the Budget Terminal. Passengers who need to make transfers need to clear immigration, collect their luggage, clear customs, make their way to the main terminal by taking the free shuttle buses and re-checkin with the respective airline.
With Changi-based Singapore Airlines being the launch customer for the Airbus A380, works to ensure full capability in handling the large aircraft was given priority in time for its planned introduction in October 2007. On August 16, 2005, Changi Airport unveiled the first of eleven specially-built gates capable of handling the giant aircraft. Costing S$15 million, the gates or 'fingers' enable passengers to get on the upper cabin of the new 555-seater aircraft directly from the gate holdrooms. The holdrooms themselves have been enlarged and appointed to cater for the larger number of passengers flying the A380s. Beside the 11 new gates at Terminal 1 and 2, there will be eight more A380-capable gates at the new Terminal 3, ready in January 9 2008.
In all, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore spent S$60 million in upgrading the terminals and airport infrastructure ahead of the arrival of the first A380. In the terminals, besides enlarged gate holdrooms and new fingers, the baggage belt carousels at the A380 gates were extended from the normal 70 meters (230 ft) to 90 meters (295 ft). With these new carousels in place, the airport does not expect embarking and disembarking passengers and baggage from the A380 to take longer than it does for the Boeing 747-400s, which carry significantly fewer passengers.
Changi Airport was the second in Asia (after Kuala Lumpur International Airport) to open a dedicated terminal catering to the budget traveller. In order to offer lower landing fees, handling fees and airport taxes, it cuts back on amenities such as aerobridges, elaborate physical structures and decorations in the passenger terminal building. Still, air-conditioning, a range of duty-free shops and food & beverage outlets, and free internet terminals are available. There is no transfer facility at the Budget Terminal. Passengers who need to make transfers need to clear immigration, collect their luggage, clear customs, make their way to the main terminal by taking the free shuttle buses and re-checkin with the respective airline.
The airport has over 30,000 square metres (322,900 ft²) of space spread between its two terminals for shopping and eating outlets. In terms of sales, it outstrips other shopping malls in Singapore, including those in top tourist-spot Orchard Road. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore derives 60% of its total annual revenue (over US$500 million in the year ending March 2005) from non-aeronautical sources, with 30% from commercial space rental and a percentage of sale receipts. Liquor and perfumes are particularly popular, accounting for over half of total retail sales, followed by watches and tobacco products.
Extensive upgrading work on existing retail areas and their expansion since 2004 has increased sales 13.3% in the first half of 2005 year-on-year over 2004, and as much as 67% compared to the same period in 2003, with brands such as Prada, Gucci, Bulgari and Hermès opening outlets during this period. The airport enjoys "one of the highest concession revenues per passenger in the world" compared to other major international airports according to Jeffrey Loke, CAAS' assistant commercial director.
In addition to a wide array of duty-free shops and eating outlets, Changi Airport has six open-air garden areas. Open to customers of the airport, each garden represents a different group of plants: cacti, bamboo, heliconia, sunflower, fern and orchid. Changi Airport has numerous business centers located around the airport. Within the international transit area of the interconnected Terminals 1 and 2, internet and games facilities, prayer rooms, showers, spas, gym, swimming pool and a hotel are provided. Various lounge areas are provided, some including children's play areas or televisions showing news, movie and sport channels.
Airfreight
The Air Cargo Division of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore manages the Changi Airfreight Centre located in the north of the airport premises.Fueled by high economic growth in China, the airport handled 1,854,610 tonnes of air cargo in 2005, an increase of 3.3% over the 2004 fiscal year, making it the 10th busiest airfreight hub in the world and the fifth busiest in Asia. Due to Singapore's large electronics sector, electrical components constitute a significant part of the total cargo traffic handled at the airport, although it has initiated attempts to diversify into the perishable air cargo market.
Relying on extensive use of Information Technology, the Air Cargo Division introduced various IT systems such as the Air Cargo EDI System (ACES), the Advance Clearance for Courier and Express Shipments System (ACCESS) and the Electronic Payment and Invoicing for Cargo (EPIC) to ease customs clearance procedures and movement. It pioneered the TradeNet System, allowing for traders to conduct trade declarations over the internet and speeding the approval process by controlling authorities. TradeNet will be linked to the country-wide Integrated Trade and Logistics IT platform.
Extensive upgrading work on existing retail areas and their expansion since 2004 has increased sales 13.3% in the first half of 2005 year-on-year over 2004, and as much as 67% compared to the same period in 2003, with brands such as Prada, Gucci, Bulgari and Hermès opening outlets during this period. The airport enjoys "one of the highest concession revenues per passenger in the world" compared to other major international airports according to Jeffrey Loke, CAAS' assistant commercial director.
In addition to a wide array of duty-free shops and eating outlets, Changi Airport has six open-air garden areas. Open to customers of the airport, each garden represents a different group of plants: cacti, bamboo, heliconia, sunflower, fern and orchid. Changi Airport has numerous business centers located around the airport. Within the international transit area of the interconnected Terminals 1 and 2, internet and games facilities, prayer rooms, showers, spas, gym, swimming pool and a hotel are provided. Various lounge areas are provided, some including children's play areas or televisions showing news, movie and sport channels.
Airfreight
The Air Cargo Division of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore manages the Changi Airfreight Centre located in the north of the airport premises.Fueled by high economic growth in China, the airport handled 1,854,610 tonnes of air cargo in 2005, an increase of 3.3% over the 2004 fiscal year, making it the 10th busiest airfreight hub in the world and the fifth busiest in Asia. Due to Singapore's large electronics sector, electrical components constitute a significant part of the total cargo traffic handled at the airport, although it has initiated attempts to diversify into the perishable air cargo market.
Relying on extensive use of Information Technology, the Air Cargo Division introduced various IT systems such as the Air Cargo EDI System (ACES), the Advance Clearance for Courier and Express Shipments System (ACCESS) and the Electronic Payment and Invoicing for Cargo (EPIC) to ease customs clearance procedures and movement. It pioneered the TradeNet System, allowing for traders to conduct trade declarations over the internet and speeding the approval process by controlling authorities. TradeNet will be linked to the country-wide Integrated Trade and Logistics IT platform.
Ground handling services are handled by three companies: Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS), Changi International Airport Services (CIAS) and Swissport. SATS, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, is the dominant player with close to 80% of the market in the airport. CIAS was formed in 1981 by the Port of Singapore Authority and five airlines (Air France, China Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Lufthansa Airlines. It handles the remaining market share.
In the early 2000s, the government decided to introduce competition into the market by offering an additional license. Swissair's Swissport successfully won the license (valid for 10 years) and commenced operations on March 2, 2005. As Swissair folded and was subsequently taken over by Swiss International Air Lines, the latter became the company's first customer. Adam Air chose Swissport as its ground handler in 2005, while Tiger Airways followed suit in 2006. Other customers of Swissport include Australian Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Swiss World Cargo, Thai AirAsia and Cardig Air.
CIAS underwent restructuring when its shareholding was bought over by Dubai's Dnata group and Temasek Holdings, being relaunched in June 2005 with a new branding. Its security services were amalgamated into the new Temasek-owned Aetos Security Management Private Limited.
In the early 2000s, the government decided to introduce competition into the market by offering an additional license. Swissair's Swissport successfully won the license (valid for 10 years) and commenced operations on March 2, 2005. As Swissair folded and was subsequently taken over by Swiss International Air Lines, the latter became the company's first customer. Adam Air chose Swissport as its ground handler in 2005, while Tiger Airways followed suit in 2006. Other customers of Swissport include Australian Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Swiss World Cargo, Thai AirAsia and Cardig Air.
CIAS underwent restructuring when its shareholding was bought over by Dubai's Dnata group and Temasek Holdings, being relaunched in June 2005 with a new branding. Its security services were amalgamated into the new Temasek-owned Aetos Security Management Private Limited.
Aircraft maintenance
Five hangars house facilities to provide aircraft maintenance support by SIA Engineering Company and ST Aviation Services Company. This includes a 20,000 square meters (215,000 ft²) column-free hangar which was the world's largest when opened in 1981.
Five hangars house facilities to provide aircraft maintenance support by SIA Engineering Company and ST Aviation Services Company. This includes a 20,000 square meters (215,000 ft²) column-free hangar which was the world's largest when opened in 1981.
The airport's security comes under the purview of the Airport Police Division of the Singapore Police Force. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks and naming of the airport as a terrorism target by the Jemaah Islamiyah, the airport's security has been stepped up. Roving patrol teams consisting of two soldiers and a police officer, armed with assault rifles or submachine guns, patrol the terminals at random intervals. Officers from the Gurkha Contingent were also deployed later to patrol the transit areas of the terminal buildings.
These measures came at a cost partly borne by travellers in the form of a "passenger security service charge," imposed since 2002.It is levied at S$6 on passengers in both main terminals and the Budget Terminal. In 2005, it became the first airport outside the United States to win the "Excellence in Airport Security Award".
Assisting the state organizations are the security services provided by the ground handlers, namely that of the Singapore Airport Terminal Services's SATS Security Services and Aetos Security Management. Both formed from a merger of the Changi International Airport Services's airport security unit and that of other companies to become a single, island-wide auxiliary police company. These officers man check-in counters to screen luggage, control movements into restricted areas, and so forth.
In 2005, an upgrade in screening technology and rising security concerns led to luggage-screening processes being conducted behind closed-doors, as opposed to them being done just before check-in previously within public view. Carry-on luggage and persons screening are conducted at the individual departure gates, while check-in luggage are screened in the backrooms and secured before loading. Plans are in place to install over 400 cameras around the airport to monitor passenger activity around the clock and check on suspicious parcels and activity. Tenders to incorporate such a system was called in late September 2005.A second perimeter fence to prevent unauthorised persons is due for construction, to be completed by 2008. The Airport Police plans to introduce a biometric identification system for access into restricted areas.
In view of the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot, security screening checks have been stepped up on passengers and their hand-carry luggage, as well as checked-in luggage on flights bound for destinations in the UK and the US from Singapore Changi Airport. From May 8, 2007, all flights out of the airport will impose the new cabin baggage restrictions implemented by the International Civil Aviation Organization, where only 100ml of each particular liquid will be allowed in the hand luggage in a resealable plastic bag no bigger than 1 litre. Items bought from the duty free stores at the airport will not be affected on most flights.
These measures came at a cost partly borne by travellers in the form of a "passenger security service charge," imposed since 2002.It is levied at S$6 on passengers in both main terminals and the Budget Terminal. In 2005, it became the first airport outside the United States to win the "Excellence in Airport Security Award".
Assisting the state organizations are the security services provided by the ground handlers, namely that of the Singapore Airport Terminal Services's SATS Security Services and Aetos Security Management. Both formed from a merger of the Changi International Airport Services's airport security unit and that of other companies to become a single, island-wide auxiliary police company. These officers man check-in counters to screen luggage, control movements into restricted areas, and so forth.
In 2005, an upgrade in screening technology and rising security concerns led to luggage-screening processes being conducted behind closed-doors, as opposed to them being done just before check-in previously within public view. Carry-on luggage and persons screening are conducted at the individual departure gates, while check-in luggage are screened in the backrooms and secured before loading. Plans are in place to install over 400 cameras around the airport to monitor passenger activity around the clock and check on suspicious parcels and activity. Tenders to incorporate such a system was called in late September 2005.A second perimeter fence to prevent unauthorised persons is due for construction, to be completed by 2008. The Airport Police plans to introduce a biometric identification system for access into restricted areas.
In view of the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot, security screening checks have been stepped up on passengers and their hand-carry luggage, as well as checked-in luggage on flights bound for destinations in the UK and the US from Singapore Changi Airport. From May 8, 2007, all flights out of the airport will impose the new cabin baggage restrictions implemented by the International Civil Aviation Organization, where only 100ml of each particular liquid will be allowed in the hand luggage in a resealable plastic bag no bigger than 1 litre. Items bought from the duty free stores at the airport will not be affected on most flights.
[edit] Air transportation
As all passenger traffic out of the airport is international in nature, the three terminals in operation are equipped with immigration processing facilities for international travel. Flights by Singapore Airlines, its regional subsidiary Silkair, two of its code-shared partners Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa, and some Southeast Asia-based carriers including Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines and Royal Brunei Airlines operate from the newer Terminal 2, while the majority of other airlines use Terminal 1. Two airlines, namely Tiger Airways and Cebu Pacific, utilize the Budget Terminal.
After recovering from a drop in passenger traffic as a result of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2003, the airport saw rapid growth in traffic which hit the 30 million mark for the first time a year later in 2004. A monthly record was set in June 2006 with 2,980,106 passengers handled, an increase of 9.1% in its first six months of operations for 2006. The Budget Terminal handled about 657,000 passengers as of October 26, 2006, six months after its opening in March, and constituted 11.3% of total flights in October 2006 compared to 9.6% in April the same year. The terminal expects to handle its one-millionth passenger by the end of the 2006.
As all passenger traffic out of the airport is international in nature, the three terminals in operation are equipped with immigration processing facilities for international travel. Flights by Singapore Airlines, its regional subsidiary Silkair, two of its code-shared partners Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa, and some Southeast Asia-based carriers including Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines and Royal Brunei Airlines operate from the newer Terminal 2, while the majority of other airlines use Terminal 1. Two airlines, namely Tiger Airways and Cebu Pacific, utilize the Budget Terminal.
After recovering from a drop in passenger traffic as a result of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2003, the airport saw rapid growth in traffic which hit the 30 million mark for the first time a year later in 2004. A monthly record was set in June 2006 with 2,980,106 passengers handled, an increase of 9.1% in its first six months of operations for 2006. The Budget Terminal handled about 657,000 passengers as of October 26, 2006, six months after its opening in March, and constituted 11.3% of total flights in October 2006 compared to 9.6% in April the same year. The terminal expects to handle its one-millionth passenger by the end of the 2006.
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