Everything You Need to Know About Changi Airport T5

by  in Travel
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After years of anticipation, Singapore is officially building the next chapter of its aviation story. On May 14, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong broke ground on Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5), a major expansion project that will transform the region’s air travel landscape and strengthen Changi’s position as a global hub for years to come.

First unveiled in 2013, T5 is a joint effort by the Ministry of Transport (MOT), the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and Changi Airport Group (CAG). Now, more than a decade later and following a delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, construction is finally underway.

TERMINAL BUILT FOR THE FUTURE

Spanning a massive 1,080 hectares, Terminal 5 will nearly double the airport’s total footprint. When completed in the mid-2030s, it will raise Changi’s passenger capacity from 90 million to an impressive 140 million annually.

Changi served 67.7 million passengers in 2024 and recently earned the title of Skytrax’s “World’s Best Airport” for the 13th time in 2025. With T5, Singapore is aiming to lead the future of aviation.

So, why now? As PM Wong explained, the Asia-Pacific region is set to see rapid growth in air travel over the next two decades. This surge is driven by a rising middle class and increasing urbanization. By 2043, Asian airports will need to support nearly twice as many passengers and aircraft, putting pressure on existing infrastructure.

SMART AND SUSTAINABLE

T5 isn’t just big; it’s smart. The terminal will feature advanced technology and automation to improve operations and enhance the passenger experience.

Look out for baggage robots that function in all weather, AI-powered video analytics to monitor aircraft turnaround times, and a fully automated people-mover system. Everything is designed to keep things smooth and efficient.

Design-wise, T5 will reflect Singapore’s signature mix of urban charm and greenery. Curved roofs of varying heights will let natural light in, while landscaped spaces will create an uplifting vibe that is true to the Changi spirit.

HUB FOR THE WORLD

When it opens, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its budget arm Scoot will operate under one roof at T5. Currently spread across Terminals 1, 2, and 3, the move will improve efficiency and provide space for future growth.

CAG says there will also be room for other airlines to grow, though it’s still too early to say which carriers will shift to T5.

Image Credits: facebook.com/changiairport

Right now, Changi connects Singapore to over 170 cities. With T5, that number is expected to grow to more than 200 by the mid-2030s, boosting Singapore’s role as a global air hub in the competitive landscape.

LIFTING TOURISM TO NEW HEIGHTS

In 2024, the country recorded $29.8 billion in tourism receipts and aims to further that number. The impact of T5 supports Singapore’s long-term tourism ambitions. With stronger connectivity and more visitors, the goal is to reach $47 billion to $50 billion annually within the next 15 years.

WHAT’S NEXT?

According to Mr Ong Chee Chiau, CAG’s managing director for Changi East, construction will ramp up in the next few years and peak around 2029. Several key features like a new third runway, a vehicular underpass, and baggage tunnels, are already completed.

With the skies opening wider, Singapore is ready to soar with its larger, smarter, and greener gateway.

Sources:1,2, & 3

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Cost-Cutting Measures Taken By SIA To Alleviate The Effects of COVID-19

by  in Business Solutions
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The tourism industry has taken a significant hit due to the global travel restrictions and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the Singapore government temporarily suspended the operations of Terminal 4 to adapt to the decline of flights.

The national carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) was heavily affected by the pandemic too. It is currently operating at 7% of its scheduled capacity. The drastic drop of the travel demands led to a net loss of S$1.12 billion in SIA’s first quarter. This is why the SIA Group had to employ cost-cutting measures aimed at mitigating the harsh financial effects of the current circumstance.

The following are some of the SIA’s cost-cutting measures.

1. OFFERING NO-PAY LEAVE SINCE MARCH

Having leave without pay is something that is seen in different fields including the tourism industry. More than 6,000 SIA Group staff have taken up varying days of no-pay leave amidst the collapse in air travel. This number accounts for more than a fifth of the 27,000 staff under the SIA Group. You see, the SIA Group includes SilkAir and Scoot.

Pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff members have taken no-pay leaves with a minimum of seven days. These people who are on no-pay leave or are on furlough are allowed to look for other sources of income and employment outside of the company, provided that they are non-work pass holders.

2. WORKING WITH PARTNERS TO RESCHEDULE PAYMENTS AND REDUCE COSTS

SIA is on a mission to negotiate adjustments with aircraft manufacturers. They have been and will continue to negotiate on existing orders and payment schemes to reduce near-term cash outflows. This strategy is something that many businesses are adopting.

3. CUTTING SALARIES AND WAGES

To reduce the lay-offs and to help the SIA Group to survive during this time, all the staff have taken cuts from their salaries. Managers and people with higher ranks have taken cuts ranging between 12 to 35 percent (%), with its Chief Executive Officer taking the highest cut of 35%. While all the other staff have taken a cut of about 10% on their basic salary.

4. HAVING EARLY RETIREMENT AND RELEASE OPTIONS

In its continuous search to reduce its operational costs, SIA has offered its cabin crew early release or retirement options. Cabin crew members who successfully apply for the scheme will receive benefits and payouts. The trainee crew will not be eligible. Eligible applicants have until August 2020 to apply. Each application will be considered on its merits. The results of the application will be released by mid-September 2020.

Cabin crew members will reap different benefits based on their employment status. For instance, crew members who are still serving their bond as of August 1 will be granted a waiver of any outstanding bond repayment if they successfully apply to leave early. On the other hand, crew members in the last year of their contract as of August 1 who successfully apply to leave early, will reap a pro-rated gratuity without having to complete the current contract.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Experts have said that these various measures will help the SIA Group, but not to the extent that it can avoid eventual job cuts. This is due to the decrease in travel demands and the increase in current manpower. Moreover, a quick recovery is nowhere in sight as the International Air Transport Association stated that it will be until 2024 before the travel demand returns to the last year’s level.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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