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CHANGI AIRPORT reopened Terminal 2 (T2) ahead of schedule to restore operations at the four terminals while welcoming the arrival of tourists from Indonesia.
T2 will present new experiences and state-of-the-art facilities that integrate a modern, nature-inspired terminal atmosphere with immersive digital experiences and innovative technologies, with The Wonderfall and Dreamscape.
According to Changi Airport Group Terminal 2 Expansion Project Program Director, Tan Lye Teck in a statement in Jakarta, Wednesday, said that the reopening of T2 after this expansion project would provide the best innovation and service, including in retail and culinary trends.
“With the expansion of T2, we are seeking to enhance the tourist experience by integrating a modern terminal atmosphere inspired by nature, with immersive digital experiences, innovative technology, and transformative retail and culinary concepts that create a special sense of place,” he said.
The T2 expansion project has added 21,000 m2 of space to house additional infrastructure, new systems and more shopping options for passengers and visitors to the terminal.
In the T2 departure hall, there is now The Wonderfall, a 14-meter high digital canvas set amidst a vertical garden, showcasing the beauty of nature with a majestic waterfall cascading over megalithic rocks.
Within the transit area, there is a new garden – Dreamscape, which dazzles with a charming array of plants amidst a carefully arranged backdrop, brought to life with the splendor of a ‘digital sky’ that can change color at any given moment.
T2 adheres to a philosophy of natural splendor, from natural ceiling designs to wall designs, carpet patterns and horticultural display options, natural elements are beautifully integrated throughout the terminal. Apart from that, the natural green color decorated with various plants creates a calm and soothing atmosphere, fostering a sense of calm and relaxation for tourists and visitors to T2 public spaces.
Furthermore, the transit area also offers a TV Lounge for tourists to enjoy the latest sports events and TV programs on large LED screens. For children, 2 Bears Hideout offers an exciting and adventurous play experience. There is also, The Gourmet Garden, a unique dining area with stunning apron views and beautiful leaves hanging from the ceiling, inviting tourists to seek out a taste of Singapore.
Changi Airport is also enhancing the travel experience at T2 with a series of innovations, including Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) for common use, increased automation of check-in kiosks and bag drop machines.
Through the Automated Clearance Initiative facility, passengers with biometric passports that meet the requirements can take advantage of the automatic immigration lane when arriving at Changi Airport.
For the record, T2 is the first terminal at Changi to introduce automatic Special Assistance Lanes at arrival and departure immigration for people with disabilities and children. Later, the initial baggage storage system was fully automated with the ability to store up to 2,400 bags simultaneously.
The T2 expansion project is expected to increase Changi Airport’s total capacity by 5 mppa (million passengers per annum) to 90 mppa. The completion of T2 is needed to meet capacity, in an effort to anticipate a full recovery of pre-COVID tourists in 2024.
In September 2023, the number of passengers from Indonesia to Singapore and vice versa has recovered to 84 percent of what it was before the pandemic era. This number has increased from the 2022 period, which only recovered by 40 percent.
In October 2023, Changi will be connected to 10 cities in Indonesia through eight airlines, including Batik Air, Citilink and Garuda Indonesia, as well as international airlines such as Indonesia AirAsia, Jetstar Asia Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Scoot and Singapore Airlines serving 424 weekly flights to Singapore and Indonesia.
In addition, Jakarta is the second busiest international route in Southeast Asia and eighth in the world, having eight airlines serving 189 weekly flights between Singapore and Jakarta. [antaranews/photo special]
