Changi continues with new T4 leasing process

The Changi Airport Group (CAG) has received its first expressions of interest from ‘established travel retail companies as well as popular international and local brands’ interested in concessions at its new 195,000sq m Terminal 4, which is due to open in 2017.

As reported, the S$985m ($741m) terminal with a planned annual 16m passenger capacity will comprise 17,000sq m of retail and F&B space for more than 80 outlets, with expectations that the overall quality standards will be at least comparable to those offered in Changi’s other terminals.

Interestingly, airport management added: “In another Changi first, passengers will have a unique walk-through experience shopping for Liquor & Tobacco and Cosmetics & Perfumes. There will also be a cluster of double-volume retail shop fronts, as well as innovative design concepts for a differentiated shopping experience.

Meanwhile, Changi reports ‘good progress’ with its T4 project development and construction works, which started last year. The terminal building is now reported to be more than 70% complete, with the main superstructure now recognisably visible. The actual completion of the superstructure is now expected before the end of this year.

This will then trigger the next phase, which will include the installation and testing of key airport systems such as kiosks for check-in and bag-drop, plus the baggage handling system, as well as the preparation of Terminal 4’s commercial spaces.

It has also been confirmed that five more airlines – AirAsia Berhad, Indonesia AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Korean Air and Vietnam Airlines – will all operate at T4, joining with Cathay Pacific.

CAG said: “In total, these six airlines currently operate almost 800 flights every week at Changi Airport and collectively accounted for close to 7m passenger movements in 2014. With T4’s breakthrough terminal design and innovative concepts, passengers of these airlines can expect enhanced travel experiences at T4.”

Airport management adds that it expects a few other airlines will also operate at T4 when it opens and it is forecasting between 8m and 10 m passenger movements in the initial period of operations.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) Executive Vice President Commercial, Lim Peck Hoon underlined the high expectations that the airport’s commercial team has for its new retail and F&B offerings at T4.

She said: “We want to inspire our partners to dream big with us, to think up show-stopping store designs and innovative retailing concepts to delight and surprise our passengers and airport visitors and create an airport shopping and dining experience like no other.”