Changi Airport is a renowned travel hub seen as a global industry leader. It currently operates four terminals with a handling capacity of 90 million passengers per year. However, with the recovery of air travel since the pandemic, the amount of airport users is expected to exceed its current handling capacity by 2030.
The decision to build the Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5) was taken in 2013, and the project is being undertaken by Changi Airport Group (CAG), the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and the Ministry of Transport (MOT). It is one of the most significant infrastructure projects globally and is expected to cost around 101 billion SEK. In terms of handling capacity, when completed in the mid-2030s, T5 will allow an additional 50 million passengers per year.
As land preparation and drainage works are expected to be completed in due time, construction is set to commence in 2025. Due to the significance of the project in terms of national development, the T5 expansion project is a good opportunity for Sweden and Swedish companies to showcase their excellence and innovation in the aviation sector, especially in the areas of sustainability, automation, and passenger centricity. This can help promote Sweden and Swedish companies as reliable, long-term partners for such national-level projects in Singapore.
A pandemic-ready, greener, and future-proof airport
In 2020, the project was suspended for two years because of the pandemic. Since then, lessons have been learnt, and redesigns were made to ensure that T5 has the operational flexibility to meet the requirements of operating an airport during a pandemic. This includes specialised features such as improved ventilation, contactless passenger touch points, as well as the capability to operate as smaller sub-terminals as required.
To ensure minimal environmental impact, T5 will be constructed as a green and sustainable building. Firstly, T5 will be certified as a Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy Building by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore. Secondly, to increase decarbonisation, energy efficient solutions such as solar panels, smart building management systems, and district cooling solutions will be implemented within the terminal building. Finally, for aircraft maintenance and operations, T5 will be ready for viable alternative fuels (e.g. Sustainable Aviation Fuel) and provide fixed ground power and cooling for aircraft parked at the gates.
T5 is also designed to accommodate automated solutions, especially the deployment of automation at scale. Airport operations have been identified as a focus area for automation and digitalisation, to improve traveller experience and airport productivity. Autonomous vehicles and robotics that can support airport operations, like baggage handling and cargo transport, are being explored. The terminal will also be designed to allow for automated solutions to be deployed and scaled up as needed.
One integrated airport for increased efficiency
T5 will be linked to the four current terminals, allowing the expanded Changi Airport to be operated as a single, integrated entity, to better facilitate transfers between terminals and improve airfield productivity. Additionally, new facilities will be built, including a fire station, airfield lighting systems, and navigational aids. To accommodate larger passenger planes, a third runway will be repaired and expanded from 2.75km to 4km. This third runway will be utilised for dual military and civilian purposes.
Changi Airport’s cargo facilities, currently located at the Changi Airfreight Centre, will be expanded to the Changi East Industrial Zone (CEIZ) as part of the Changi East Development. The area will be built for air express, air freight, and operations, maintenance, and repair activities. Once the project is finished, the total handling capacity will rise from 3 million tonnes annually to 5.4 million tonnes. In short, almost double the current handling capacity.
How we can help
At Business Sweden, we aim to help Swedish companies connect with the relevant stakeholders in projects of such significance through strategic advice, practical support, market insights and an extensive business network.
