Singapore airport to have another terminal

Singapore, Jul 25 (UNI) Singapore is planning a fourth terminal at its Changi International Airport, where three terminals are in operation with designed capacity of handling 70 million passengers a year, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said today.

Though the fourth terminal would not be needed for many more years, forward planning would ensure that passengers continue to enjoy high quality and excellent service at Changi, Mr Lee said at the official opening of the airport's Terminal 3 which started operating early this year.

He also disclosed that details for corporatising Changi Airport and restructuring of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore would be announced soon.

''This is a major step forward to prepare for the future. We must set up the right operating and regulatory framework, so that Changi Airport can react faster and more effectively to new business needs, and the staff can continue to deliver outstanding service,'' the Prime Minister said.

''The transformation will not be easy. But having done several major corporatisations over the years, the Singapore government has a better sense of the implementation issues and potential difficulties,'' he pointed out.

Changi Airport, already rated among the top airports globally, expected to face new risks and challenges, Mr Lee said.

''Fuel prices are at a record high, impacting the bottom line of every airline. The uncertain economic climate has further pushed consumers to become more careful with their spending, and trim back on discretionary travel,'' he cautioned.

''In addition, competition amongst airports is growing more intense. Many other airports aspire to be global and regional air hubs, and are building up their capabilities in order to attract more airlines and travellers,'' he added.

UNI XC SKB DS1625