The new Terminal 4 (T4) at Changi Airport is scheduled to commence operations on October 31, according to a press release from the airport.
This follows the recent successful completion of major trials, with just a small number of checks and reviews to be completed in the final stages of preparation.
The operations of the nine T4 airlines – the AirAsia Group (of four airlines), Cathay Pacific Airways, Cebu Pacific Air, Korean Air, Spring Airlines and Vietnam Airlines – will be moved to T4 over one week from October 31. The terminal will add a capacity of 16 million passengers per annum to Changi Airport, bringing the airport’s total annual handling capacity to 82 million passenger movements.
FAST
The new terminal will offer a unique travel experience with its boutique design and innovative use of technology – T4 will be the first terminal at Changi Airport to offer end-to-end Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) for departing passengers.
With the extensive use of technology, including facial recognition software, FAST is hoped to enhance operational efficiency and raise productivity, with expected manpower savings of about 20%. Passengers will enjoy the flexibility of checking in at their own convenience, without having to wait for counters to open.
T4 has a total floor area of 225,000 square metres including the two-storey terminal, car parks and taxi deck. The project was completed after three years of construction. T4 will have a capacity of 16 million passenger movements a year, two-thirds that of T3.
A unique design
T4‟s design theme is fun and vibrant. There is a sense of space brought about by a high ceiling and height limits for equipment and machines. The terminal’s showpiece is a Central Galleria which separates the public zone from the transit area.
T4‟s interior design is based on a symmetrical petal design, inspired by the orchid petal. This contemporary motif appears ubiquitously in various locations within T4, such as on the skylights, marble flooring and carpets to create a coherent design language that adds to its boutique feel.
With skylights and glass walls allowing natural light in, T4 not only provides a naturally ambient daytime experience for passengers, it also simulates a natural environment of plants and trees. The terminal is home to 186 large trees, while along the boarding corridor, 160 ficus trees form a boulevard of trees, separating the boarding area from the common area at the departure gates.
Culture and technology
Combining culture and technology, T4 is set to engage passengers through a variety of different experiences, heritage-themed facades, immersive LED digital displays and more.
An art collection will feature an eclectic mix of contemporary works by local and foreign artists, with a diverse blend of mediums, sizes and imagery.
Lounges
Nine airlines will operate at T4 (see above), together serving an estimated eight million passengers at Changi Airport each year.
The terminal will house two lounges – Cathay Pacific’s First and Business Class Lounge as well as Blossom – SATS & Plaza Premium Lounge (Blossom Lounge), a pay-per-use lounge managed by SATS and Plaza Premium. Both are located at level 2M within the transit area.
Retail offerings
T4 will have more than 80 retail and F&B outlets featuring popular brands and unique experiential zones. This includes an integrated duty-free zone covering both liquor & tobacco and cosmetics & perfumes products. Shoppers will be able to pay for their purchases at common cashier counters.
New at Changi Airport, the Heritage Zone will provide passengers with a glimpse of Singapore’s unique cultural heritage, while housing a range of traditional retail and dining offerings.
