Located approximately 15km from the city centre, Seletar Airport is a secondary civilian airport in Singapore. The airport is managed by Changi Airport Group (CAG) and regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).
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CAG announced plans to develop a new passenger terminal building at the airport in May 2016, to support the aviation growth in the region. The new terminal enhances the passenger handling capacity and the service offerings of the airport.
The new passenger terminal construction is a part of the larger Seletar Aerospace Park (SAP), an integrated aerospace park under development in the land adjacent to the airport.
Construction of the new terminal began in October 2016 and was completed in the second half of 2018. Operations at the passenger building commenced in November 2018.
Objectives and benefits of the new terminal construction
The growing demand for air travel and the increasing traffic at Changi Airport, the primary airport of Singapore, called for the optimisation of resources within the aviation system. Increasing Seletar Airport’s capacity by constructing a new terminal is considered one of the feasible solutions to meet demand and minimise the pressure on Changi Airport.
The expansion enables Seletar Airport to become a valuable complement to the Changi Airport, and will also strengthen aviation in the region. It will also create more opportunities to thrive in the Seletar Aerospace Park and reinforces Singapore’s position as a vibrant aviation hub.
The new terminal and recent airport upgrades are designed to meet specific needs of the passengers and provide a better travel experience.
Details of the new passenger terminal at Seletar Airport
The new passenger terminal is a two-storey building constructed towards the eastern side of the airport with a range of improved facilities and amenities. It replaced the old passenger terminal located at the western end of the airport.
Spanning 10,000m², the new passenger terminal features four check-in counters in the departure hall, baggage handling system, six immigration lanes, two security clearance facilities, and a meet-and-greet hall. It also features a gate hold room with a capacity of 200 passengers.
The Seletar Business Aviation Centre of the terminal includes a separate drop-off area and a dedicated check-in and lounge area for business aviation passengers. It also features meeting facilities on the second level.
The project also involved the construction of three aircraft parking stands and cargo shed at the eastern end of the Aerospace Park.
Turboprop aircraft operations at Changi airport were moved to Seletar Airport’s new terminal in December 2018. This move was made to free up space for jet aircraft operations at the former airport.
History of Seletar Airport
Constructed in 1928, Seletar Airport served as a military base until 1968, after which it was handed over to the previous Department of Civil Aviation (DCA).
In later years, DCA was transformed into Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), which continued to manage the airport until it was handed over to Changi Airport Group, which was formed in July 2009.
Runways at Singapore’s secondary airport
The airport features a single runway (03/21), which was extended to the current 1,836m length from 1,592m, in 2011. The extended runway allows the airport to handle larger aircraft and heavier take-off loads.
The runway is equipped with an instrument landing system (ILS) that allows for operations even in low visibility and poor weather conditions.
Control tower
In January 2012, a new control tower, located on the east side of the runway, was opened at the airport. Replacing the old tower built before the Second World War, the new tower offers increased capacity, as well as improved air traffic services and aircraft manoeuvring guidelines within the airport.
Air traffic controllers have access to ergonomically designed workstations that enable them to handle multiple operations effectively. There are three workstations, which can be customised to suit specific role of the controller. The panels are arranged in an intuitive layout providing the controllers the most commonly used equipment at the closest.
Ground handling services at Seletar airport
A number of global aerospace companies offer maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services at the airport. Some of them include Bombardier, Execujet, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce, which offer extensive facilities and hangars to provide maintenance and servicing for both narrow-body aircraft and business jets and components.
Ground transportation
Taxis and public buses are available outside the airport for arriving passengers. A taxi stand is located outside the arrival meeting hall, which offers 24/7 taxi service in Singapore.
Public bus services 103 and 102 are accessible from stops located opposite to the airport terminal building.
Details of Seletar Aerospace Park
Being constructed near the airport, Seletar Aerospace Park aims to transform the airport into a world-class facility to meet the increasing aerospace needs of the region.
Located on 320ha, the Aerospace Park will host a cluster of activities, including the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft and components, design, manufacturing and assembly of aircraft engines, components and light aircraft, and educational, training and research facilities.
A number of international aerospace companies have already signed to launch their operations in the industrial park. By locating in such a closely knit aerospace business community, companies can reap the benefits of integrated environment, economies of scale and increased efficiency, new industry collaborations, and access to the park’s infrastructure and close proximity to suppliers, customers and partners.
Contractors involved
Takenaka Corporation was awarded a JPY3.8bn ($36.6m) contract by the Changi Airport Group for the construction of a new terminal at the airport.
