Changi officially opened its doors on July 1, 1981, replacing the former Paya Lebar Airport as Singapore's main international airport. At the time of its inauguration, Changi had just two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The airport quickly gained recognition for its modern infrastructure and efficiency in handling increasing air traffic. Terminal 3 was added in 2006 to accommodate to the growing numbers of passengers and airlines. The addition of Terminal 3 significantly increased the airport's capacity and introduced more advanced facilities to enhance the passenger experience. Terminal 4 opened in 2017 with newly developed features, such as automated check-in kiosks, self-service baggage drops, and advanced biometric systems to streamline passenger processes and reduce waiting times. This exemplified Changi’s commitment to technological innovation and efficiency perfectly. Currently, Changi ranks 9th among world's busiest airports with a total of 31.9 million travellers passing through in 2022, which is roughly 90% of the pre-pandemic levels.
World-class amenities
The most significant addition in recent years has been the Jewel Changi Airport, officially opened in April 2019. The Jewel houses the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the HSBC Rain Vortex, and serves as a multifaceted area offering shopping, dining, and recreational experiences. Visitors can explore various lush indoor gardens that create the sense of an oasis of tranquillity within the bustling airport. But the more adventurous can climb sky nets, or explore the canopy park, for a rush of adrenalin. Terminal 3’s transit gives home to a cinema, which operates 24/7 to entertain travellers any time, while waiting for their connecting flights.
In addition to that, Changi Airport features a diverse collection of art installations and exhibits, which contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the airport, showcasing Singapore's cultural richness and creativity. The most famous installation is the Social Tree which allows passengers to upload photos and messages, creating a digital mosaic on a large interactive display. This way it serves as a unique and innovative way for travellers to leave their mark at the airport and share their experiences with the world.
The more affluent can enjoy a range of premium lounges that have been recognized with various awards from Skytrax, the World Airline and Airport Star Rating programme. These lounges provide a tranquil retreat for passengers with comfortable seating, gourmet dining options, and amenities such as showers and spa services. But those not willing to spend on lounges are also able to get a good rest, as all terminals offer free-to-use snooze lounges with comfortable chairs and dimmed lighting.
Efficiency and Operational Excellence
Terminals are connected both by bus and by the Skytrain. Opened in 1990, the Skytrain was the first driverless and automated system of transport in South East Asia, and serves as a fast and innovative mode of transport ever since. Furthermore, from automated immigration clearance with biometric systems to smart security screening processes, the airport leverages technology to manage passenger flow while maintaining security standards. Even the baggage handling system is one of the most state-of art in the world, using AI and simulation tools, which integrated all the baggage handling systems and the different technologies used in each terminal into a single comprehensive operational planning tool. This means that they can plan and execute delivery across all terminals despite any change occurring in air carrier movement, schedule changes, or temporary system maintenance, within seconds, without any human intervention.
Awards and Recognition
Changi Airport's commitment to excellence has not been unnoticed. The airport has been ranked as the world's best airport by Skytrax, twelve times, meaning that the airport's terminals, services, and overall passenger satisfaction have been consistently rated the highest by travellers worldwide. Furthermore, Changi possesses the title of the World's Best Airport Dining, and the World's Best Airport Leisure Amenities.
All in all, the continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation in various aspects of the airport management has set a standard that continues to inspire and shape the future of the aviation industry and redefine the air travel experience for generations to come.
Sources
Changi Airport (2023). Singapore Changi Airport. [online] www.changiairport.com. Available at: https://www.changiairport.com.
Skytrax (2023). A-Z of World Airport Awards Winners 2023. [online] SKYTRAX. Available at: https://www.worldairportawards.com/a-z-airport-awards-winners-2023/ [Accessed 2 Jan. 2024].
