SINGAPORE. Singapore Changi has completed the construction of its new Budget Terminal, a customised facility for low-cost carriers (LCCs).
Minister for Transport Yeo Cheow Tong announced the name of the terminal after a site inspection of the completed terminal today. The winning name, Budget Terminal, was selected from among 12,000 entries submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) in its ‘Low Cost Terminal Naming Contest’.
Minister Yeo toured the 25,000sq m terminal – about the size of three football fields, or a tenth the size of Changi Airport’s T1 – and was briefed on the processes and facilities at the terminal.
“This is a significant moment for Changi Airport,” commented Minister Yeo. “LCCs today account for approximately 10% of Changi Airport’s total passenger flights, and will be a high-growth segment of the civil aviation sector in the Asia Pacific region in the coming years. When the Budget Terminal opens for operations in March Singapore will be better poised to meet the needs and commercial considerations of our LCC airline partners by providing low-cost infrastructure and facilities.”
The Budget Terminal will initially be able to handle about 2.7 million passengers per annum. There is scope for future expansion to accommodate up to five million passengers per year.
The decision to build a customised terminal for LCCs was made in early 2004 in response to the region’s emerging trend in low-cost travel. CAAS obtained the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) for the Budget Terminal in December 2005. With the TOP airport agencies and operators can move in to prepare their operations set-up. Preparatory works, including airport system tests, are in progress and will be completed before the opening date on 26 March.
A key consideration is to keep operating costs low to meet the needs and operating models of LCCs, but basic services and facilities are provided so that passengers can enjoy a pleasant travelling experience. Up to 3,000sq m of floor space has been set aside for retail as well as F&B outlets. There will also be free Internet terminals and free local calls for passengers.
At the Naming Contest ceremony today, Minister Yeo presented 15-year-old winner Jonathan Sng with SGD2,000 cash and a 3G mobile phone for his winning entry.
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