OPTIMISING the use of available manpower in Singapore’s tight labour market has helped to drive the design of Singapore Changi Airport’s new Terminal 4 (T4), which will feature a labour-efficient layout and more self-service options for passengers.
For the first time, Changi Airport Group (CAG) will roll out a suite of fast and seamless travel (FAST) initiatives comprised of self-service and automated facilities.
These will be offered at check-in, bag drop, immigration clearance and departure gate boarding throughout the day, allowing passengers to check in at their own convenience. Roving check-in service agents will be on hand for assistance.
Said a CAG press release: “T4’s FAST initiatives are part of a global trend towards self-service options in airports and necessary in Singapore which faces a very tight labour market, especially in the groundhandling and security sectors.”
T4’s layout has also been designed to reduce manpower requirements, with the immigration and pre-board security screening areas will be centralised at the south end of the terminal. This creates a straightforward path for passengers towards their boarding gates, improves deployment of immigration and security officers, and removes the need for additional equipment at multiple gate holdrooms for security screenings.
Singapore Changi Airport yesterday broke ground for the construction of the new two-storey, 195,000m2 terminal. Scheduled to be finished in 2017, the terminal will cater to both budget and full-service flights and feature heritage-themed designs throughout, such as retail outlets decorated with the facades of old Peranakan shophouses.
