The future of air travel has arrived, and it’s in Singapore. Changi Airport Group (CAG) announced on Wednesday (September 6) that the newly constructed Terminal 4 (T4) will begin operations from October 31 onwards, with a slew of exciting new features introduced as part of the new space, which takes over the former Budget Terminal.
Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan described the opening in a Facebook post as a “labour of love”, mentioning that over 100 trials involving 2,500 airport staff and 1,500 volunteers were undertaken since construction was completed in December last year.
The new terminal, which is slightly less than half the size of T3, is an architectural gem to behold.
For instance, the new 225,000 square metre space is distinguished by its high ceilings that allow natural light to stream in. There are hypnotic kinetic structures called Petalclouds that move and rotate at different spots, while there is also plenty of greenery too: say hello to a grand total of 186 trees and green walls.
And as if the new space wasn’t gorgeous enough already, the terminal also takes some of its design cues from tradition elements with installations that showcase Singapore’s history, the most impressive of which is a 10 metre by 6 metre interactive LED screen display that become quaint Peranakan shophouses.
At the end of the day though, the main draw here is technology, and boy, it is as futuristic as you’d expect. A facial recognition system will snap photos of passengers at various stations, while start-to-end self-service options for check-ins will be implemented, in addition to a centralised security screening system.
As for the airlines operating at T4, there will be nine of them – the AirAsia Group (four airlines), Cathay Pacific Airways, Cebu Pacific Air, Korean Air, Spring Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.
For more information, visit www.changiairport.com.
Images: Changi Airport/Khaw Boon Wan
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