Countdown to Changi airport’s new terminal three

Nicole Mezzasalma

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Due to open on January 9, the new terminal will increase the airport’s retail space by over 70%

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has started the countdown to Singapore Changi airport’s new terminal three, scheduled to open on January 9 2008, by highlighting its focus on retail. T3 will have 20,000sq m (215,278sq ft) of retail and food and beverage (F&B) floor space spread between about 140 outlets, increasing the airport’s total concessions space to 48,000sq m (516,667sq ft). Of the retail area in T3, 11,400sq m (122,708sq ft) will be within the departure/transit mall (55 retail and 20 F&B). The public area will have 8,600sq m (92,569sq ft) of space, with about 45 retail and 20 F&B outlets over five levels of the terminal.

T3 will also see many businesses opening their first travel-retail outlets, such as Sony Style (electronics), Apple i-Store (electronics) and FIFA Official Store (sports memorabilia). Ferrari, Marc O’Polo and Fat Face will also establish their first airport shops outside Europe in the new terminal. According to CAAS, innovative retail concepts and features will be introduced at T3, such as a spa cabin and fragrance-sensory internet kiosks within the perfumes and cosmetics outlets.

CAAS director-general and CEO Lim Kim Choon said: “Shopping and dining at Changi airport will reach a new level when T3 opens. The increased floor space dedicated for commercial activities at the new terminal gives us the opportunity to provide a wider variety and unique retail and dining treats for our travellers and airport visitors to enjoy. I am also delighted that T3 presents a new business opportunity for many established commercial operators to either set up their first-ever airport outlets or to establish their presence in the airport environment. More than 35% of the retailers at T3 are new to Changi airport and all set to tap on a guaranteed captive international market to grow their businesses here."