Changi Airport secures $3.7 billion contracts for mega terminal project
- Terminal 5 will serve 50 million passengers yearly upon completion in the mid-2030s.
- Two major contracts worth S$4.8 billion have been awarded to construct the terminal.
- The construction of Terminal 5 marks a critical step in enhancing Singapore's aviation infrastructure.
In Singapore, the Changi Airport Group has recently awarded two substantial contracts valued at S$4.8 billion (approximately $3.7 billion) aimed at constructing its most extensive passenger terminal, Terminal 5. This strategic move is taken as part of Singapore's efforts to leverage the post-pandemic travel boom. Terminal 5 is designed to handle up to 50 million passengers annually upon its completion, which is projected for the mid-2030s. This development reflects Singapore's status as a key aviation hub, having managed nearly 68 million passengers in the previous year. A joint venture comprising China Communications Construction Co. and Japan's Obayashi Corp. won the S$3.8 billion contract dedicated to the terminal's substructure, which includes foundational work and multiple basements, while local firm Hwa Seng Builder obtained the S$950 million contract focused on airside infrastructure. These contractors' appointments signal a significant step forward in the construction timeline, as work on Terminal 5 is anticipated to commence in the first half of 2025. Terminal 5 is considered one of the most intricate construction endeavors in Singapore's history, highlighting the country's commitment to enhancing its aviation infrastructure. The Changi East development will not only include the new terminal but will also feature the airport's third runway, cargo facilities, and improved ground transport infrastructure. The substructure works are particularly notable, covering a vast area of 140 hectares and reaching basement depths of 28 meters, equivalent in volume to around 5,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The drive towards completing Terminal 5 aligns with Changi Airport's honorable reputation, which was reaffirmed recently when it was named the world’s best airport by Skytrax at the World Airport Awards. This accolade, reclaimed from Qatar's Hamad International Airport, underscores Singapore's strategic foresight in maintaining and expanding its competitive edge in global aviation, ensuring that they continue providing services that meet or exceed international standards for travelers in years to come.