“Orchid petal” might seem like a strange inspiration. Yet, it’s the concept behind the design of Terminal 4 and its access infrastructure including T4 Flyover.
The T4 Flyover stands as a testament to Singapore’s commitment to efficient infrastructure. This vehicular bridge connects Terminal 4 to the aircraft stands. It facilitates the smooth movement of buses and other airside vehicles.
Let’s talk about Terminal 4. It opened in October 2017. The project started in February 2013. Construction began in November 2013 and finished in December 2016. The whole T4 project cost S$1.28 billion. S$600 million was for the terminal. S$680 million went to airfield infrastructure construction.
Terminal 4 sits on the old Budget Terminal site. The Budget Terminal operated from March 2006 to September 2012. It was demolished in 2013 to make way for Terminal 4.
Terminal 4 is a two-storey building. It has a gross floor area of 225,000 square meters. The terminal is 25 meters high. It features 27 aerobridge gates.
A separate Ramp Control Tower monitors aircraft movements. It oversees the apron and taxiways around the terminal. The 68-meter-tall tower gives pilots clearance.
The terminal boasts a 300-meter long Central Galleria. This glazed open space visually links different terminal areas. These include departure, check-in, arrival, and transit zones.
Changi Airport handled almost 62.2 million passengers in 2017. Terminal 4 can handle about 16 million passengers yearly. It increases Changi Airport’s annual passenger capacity to 82 million by 2017.
Terminal 4 offers self-service kiosks. These kiosks facilitate self-check-in, self bag-tagging, and self bag-drops. An advanced automated baggage handling system also operates here.
Biometric technology enhances efficiency. Fast and seamless travel (FAST) services reduce manpower.
You will find 15,000 square meters of shopping and dining spaces in Terminal 4. These spaces include retail stores with local cultural and heritage themes.
Two new car parks were built at the terminal. They accommodate up to 1,700 vehicles. Sheltered links connect the terminal to the car parks. One is a multi-storey car park. The other is an open-air car park in front of the terminal.
A new road connected to the East Coast Parkway manages outgoing traffic from Terminal 4.
A free airside shuttle connects Terminal 4 and Terminal 2. This shuttle serves non-T4 airlines passengers. Terminal 4 also has a centralized departure bus lounge. Nine bus bays offer quick transportation.
SAA Architects led a consortium for the design and construction of Terminal 4. The consortium included Benoy, AECOM Singapore, and Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner (SEA). CSC Holdings provided foundation works. Arup and SAA Architects provided facade engineering and ICT infrastructure design.
So, as you pass over the T4 Flyover remember the ambition and innovation. It’s a vital artery. It ensures the seamless flow of passengers and vehicles. It is all part of the Changi Airport experience.