Retailers move into Changi T3

Emily Pacey

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Concessionaires are starting preparations for the opening of Singapore Changi airport’s third terminal

Retail concessionaires at Singapore Changi airport terminal three are moving into the terminal to set up their offices and systems, in preparation for its opening on January 9 2008.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has awarded most of the main duty-free contracts, including liquor and tobacco and cosmetics and fragrances, as well watches, confectionery, news, toys and souvenirs. CAAS said in a statement: “The rest [of the concessions] will be progressively awarded this year for the more than 100 retail outlets, over 30 food and beverage outlets and over 20 services concessions.”

The S$1.75bn ($1.5bn) terminal will feature over 25,000sq m (269,097sq ft) of retail space arranged in a shopping street layout intended to enhance the visibility of the outlets. CAAS claims that the building makes extensive use of natural light, partly through its roof architecture which features over 900 skylights. The terminal also has a 300m (3,229ft) long garden arranged over five storeys, in which climbing plants are interspersed with four waterfalls.

Singapore's minister for transport and second minister for foreign affairs Raymond Lim visited the terminal today (May 29). Lim said: "One year ago, we passed a major milestone in this project by completing the construction of the main building's structure. When T3 opens its doors to the world on January 9 2008, it will bring us closer to our vision of making Changi a regional air hub."

Once open, Singapore Changi airport will have a handling capacity of 22m passengers per year, bringing the total annual passenger handling capacity of the airport to about 70m. The terminal will be equipped with 28 gates, of which eight will be A380-compatible.