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Monday, August 19, 2013

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World’s best airport plans to get even better

Posted: 18 Aug 2013 08:35 PM PDT

Singapore announces mega expansion plans for Changi Airport to increase passenger capacity -- and enjoyment

Just when you thought Singapore's Changi Airport couldn't rub its global supremacy in any deeper, the "world's best airport" announces plans to add another impressive facility that will improve passenger experiences and boost capacity.

Code-named "Project Jewel," the mixed-use architectural looker will take over a 3.5-hectare plot of land and will feature shops, restaurants and a huge indoor garden with its own waterfall when it opens in 2018.

A statement from Changi says terminal 1, which will lose a car park in the redevelopment, will also be expanded to allow more space for the arrival hall, baggage claim areas and taxi bays.

More on CNN: How to see the best of Singapore in two hours, free of charge

changi airport expansion All the other airports might as well give up now. Being stuck in transist can't possibly get any better than this. Project Jewel was designed by a consortium of architects led by Moshe Safdie, the man behind another Singapore icon -- Marina Bay Sands. It will serve as a link to connect terminals 1, 2 and 3.

"When completed, Project Jewel, together with terminal 4, will boost Changi Airport's handling capacity to 85 million passenger movements a year, to cater for Changi's growth into the next decade," an airport spokesman said.

In 2012, Changi Airport handled 51 million passengers a year, an increase of 10% over 2011. It currently has a capacity of 66 million per year.

Construction is set to go ahead on terminal 4 by the end of the year on the old Budget Terminal site and due to open in 2017.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced during his annual National Day rally speech over the weekend that planning is underway for a new terminal 5, which would double Changi Airport's current capacity when it opens in the mid-2020s.

Airport officials confirmed a T5 project is in the works, but would not release further details.

Why all the accolades?

Crowned the best airport in the world at the 2013 Skytrax World Airport Awards in Geneva in April, Changi has gained a reputation for its attentive passenger experience and wide selection of entertainment services.

The airport offers free city tours to all travelers on a stopover of five hours or more, while facilities include onsite swimming pool, gardens, nature trail and cinemas.

Changi Airport was one of the first airports to introduce free Wi-Fi areas. It previously won the Skytrax Best Airport award in 2000 before going on to win again in 2006, 2010 and 2013.

More on CNN: And the world's best airport is ...

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