5 cool things you can look forward to at the new Changi Airport Terminal 4

SINGAPORE - You would have heard by now that the world's best airport is about to get a new terminal. And yes, Changi Airport seems like it's going to get even better than it already is.

Changi Airport's Terminal 4 will soon be open to public later this year and although it's half the size of T3, the new terminal promises "a new travel experience with its boutique design and innovative use of technology".

But how so?

Other than the usual airport features that we have seen from the previous three terminals, there will be new exciting features that will be a joy to not just flight passengers, but the general public as well.

Let's start with what would be the most obvious to all of us - its appearance.

1. It's small but fun

According to Changi Airport Group (CAG), T4's compact shape is designed with a theme of being fun, vibrant and positively surprising.

Due to its compact size, T4 will have centralised departure and arrival immigration control as well as pre-board security screening for more optimal use of space and deployment of manpower and equipment.

Many of the design cues will draw inspiration from the symmetrical motif of the orchid petal.

It will be applied in many locations within the terminal, such as on the skylights, marble flooring, carpets, air-con binnacles, dustbins and even the holders for fire extinguishers.

The terminal will also feature various curated art pieces, innovated kinetic art and many others.

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2. State-of-the-art technology

It's 2017, so of course all the technology in T4 has to be state-of-the-art.

From various automated services to the use of facial recognition, CAG promises that the enchanced operational efficiency will be beneficial to the passengers' travel experience and have called it Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST).

 

 T4's Departure Hall will house seven check-in rows. Of these seven, four are designed for FAST, featuring a total of 65 automated check-in kiosks and 50 automated bag drop machines.

Gone were the days when airline and security personnels have to manually carry out identity checks on passengers.

With the new integrated facial recognition technology to authenticate the passenger's identity, each passenger's departure process will be seamless and convenient.

Although not the first airport to utilise this technology, the tech still sounds promising.

 If you are concerned that you will not be able to familiarise yourself with FAST, CAG promises that there will be service staff on deck to assist you.

3. Passsengers do not need to remove laptops and devices from hand-carry luggage

Before: We have to take out our electronic devices such as laptops and tablets from our bags or backpacks to be screened separately.

Now: Using advanced 3D screening technology, there is no longer a need for passengers to divest their devices.

This will save them the hassle of unpacking and repacking their hand carry luggage.

However, the usual liquids, aerosols and gels restriction will still apply.

4. Retail and F&B offerings

So far I have been mentioning features that are mostly applicable to passengers, but what about the general visitors?

Even if you are not planning to fly anywhere, you can still shop and dine at over 80 stores and restaurants at T4.

The 16,000 square metre space will feature both locals and international retail and F&B brands.

Notable names include London Fat Duck.

Old Street Bak Kut Teh

As well as Paris Baguette.

Rest assured that you will not find your time waiting for your flight at T4 a dull one.

5. Indoor greenery

Singapore has always been known as a green city and this applies to the new T4 as well, with more than 340 species of plants planted across the terminal.

There will be 186 large trees within the terminal, and the tallest one, named Fragrant Chinese Aralia Tree, will have a whooping height of at least 8 metres.

The full information on T4 can be found on their website.

So what do you think about the new T4? Let us know in the comments below.

akosasi@sph.com.sg

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