Changi low-cost terminal design revealed

Emily Pacey

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Asia's first dedicated low-cost terminal will feature 3,000sq m (32,280sq ft) of retail space

Plans for the design of Asia's first low-cost terminal were unveiled today by Singapore minister for transport Yeo Cheow Tong during a visit to the terminal's construction site at Singapore Changi airport.

The 25,000sq m (269,097sq ft) terminal will feature two adjacent single-storey buildings connected via linkways. Planners believe this design will facilitate seamless passenger flow in the terminal buildings.

As revealed in DFNI March 1, a total of 3000sq m (32,280sq ft) has been set aside for 20 retail and catering outlets. Catering outlets will concentrate on fast service and takeaway concepts to appeal to the budget passenger's taste for impulse buying and value for money, said Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

A CAAS survey carried out at Changi airport last year suggested that about 70% of low-cost travellers were visiting friends or relatives or travelling for leisure. As a result, planners of the new terminal have attempted to create a pleasant atmosphere without the "frills" of mainstream terminals.

Speaking during his visit to the site, minister for transport Yeo said: "Low-cost carriers do not require many amenities, such as business lounges, travellators or aerobridges. They do away with frills and prefer simple, efficient operations which allow passengers to embark and disembark quickly. This low-cost terminal will ensure that our infrastructure and services suit their [low-cost airlines'] business model."

CAAS proceeded with the construction of the low-cost terminal after it received firm commitment from Tiger Airways that it would use the facility. It is scheduled for completion in early 2006 and will be able to handle 2.7m passengers a year. There is scope for further expansion should more carriers want to use the terminal.

Earlier this year Dufry Group told DFNI it will bid to run retail at the terminal if terms and conditions are favourable. Dufry deputy COO for Eurasia and Asia Jan Baljet told DFNI the retailer would recommend a contract length of 10 years, in contrast to the usual Changi three-year concession with two-year option to extend.