Changi Airport is the world's sixth busiest airport for international traffic. Recently named by Skytrax as the World’s Best Airport Award for the fifth consecutive year, expectations are high for the new Terminal 4 that will come into operation in the second half of 2017. Leveraging technology and innovation, the airport will feature start-to-end self-service systems, allowing travellers to check in, deposit their baggage and even go through immigration via automated systems.What makes Changi Airport stand out are its many gardens, including the Cactus Garden, Sunflower Garden and Butterfly Garden in Terminals 1, 2 & 3 respectively. The newly built Terminal 4 is no exception as it is draped with more than 16,000 plants. Visitors approaching the terminal's curbside will be greeted with a green wall facade. It’s an appropriate welcome as Singapore is internationally known as the Garden City. While waiting for luggage at the arrival belt, one could also admire the natural beauty it brings out.
Feeling bored during transit? The new Terminal 4 gives one ample photo opportunities with creative artworks by both local and foreign artists. In additional, one can enjoy the LED display located at the centralised security screening area which will showcases 16 immersive video clips depicting images of Singapore and regional scenes. The most impressive kinetic sculpture is called the Petalclouds which spans more than 200 meters. The sculpture will move to the beat of the classical music being played in the background. The inspiration is draw from the national flower of Singapore, the orchid.
If art is not your cup of tea, how about enjoying a six-minute show titled: Peranakan Love Story. Relax on one of the comfortable couches as the short clip showcases the rich Peranakan architecture seen in areas such as Katong and Chinatown. This is a new heritage-themed zone located in the departure transit area with shophouse views on top of a mini-theatre show displayed on the facade. The transit hall offers visitors local F&B and retail outlets with traditional brands such as Bee Cheng Hiang, Bengawan Solo and Eu Yan Sang.
More than 80 retail outlets occupying 15,000 square meters of shopping and dining space include home-grown footwear label PAZZION, paper maker Moleskine, and British retailer WHSmith, all which will be opening their first outlets in the Terminal 4 transit area.
There is plenty of comfortable futuristic and artistic seating found in the transit terminal, allowing travellers to have a proper rest before taking their flight out. It allows for an enjoyable, seamless travel journey as Changi Airport redefines passengers' travel experience at its newest and most innovative terminal.
For aviation lovers, good news! One would be able to catch airplanes taking off and landing at Changi Runway 2 providing ample photo taking opportunities of the big birds soaring into the sky. Terminal 4 will serve both regional full-service and low-cost carriers. The airlines include: Cathay Pacific, AirAsia Group, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Spring Airlines.
Changi Airport is unlike any other in the world. They say visuals speak louder than words, so I have prepared a short video clip of things to expect at the new Terminal 4. So sit back and enjoy the magical experience!
Author: Jaren Chen, TheGuyTravel; for more travel related articles, you may visit: www.theguytravel.com
