CHANGI AIRPORT (Retention of world image)

Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for Communications and Information, in view of Changi Airport being voted by "Business Traveller" as the second best-liked airport in the world in 1986, what steps are being taken to ensure that Changi Airport retains its premier position in the world.

The Minister for Communications and Information (Dr Yeo Ning Hong): Sir, Changi Airport's success is built upon its modern and comprehensive facilities and upon its high standard of service. To maintain our competitive position, we must constantly plan ahead for additional facilities and to upgrade the standard of our service even further.

In this connection, a second passenger terminal is being built and will be ready by 1990. The terminal will have the capacity to handle another 10 million passengers a year and will be linked to the existing terminal with a fast people-mover system and a rapid baggage system to facilitate the smooth and efficient transfer of passengers and their baggages. These systems are designed to allow transit passengers to catch connecting flights at Changi Airport within an hour, and will help to ensure that Changi will continue to be an attractive air junction.

Meanwhile, existing facilities in the first terminal will be further improved to make the airport even more pleasant and convenient for arriving and departing passengers.

Members may recall that Singapore was voted the best airport for aircargo at an international aircargo forum last year, and was similarly voted by a trade magazine called "Cargonews Asia" earlier on in 1987. To maintain our competitive edge, a third cargo-agent building will be completed before the end of this year. This will double the existing warehouse and office capacity for aircargo agents.

The high standard in passenger and baggage handling, airport shopping, immigration and customs clearance and other ground services at Changi Airport will not be compromised. No effort is being spared in terms of improvements and innovations in making Changi one of the most "user-friendly" airports in the world.

I would welcome suggestions from Members of the House on how our airport can be further improved upon.

Mr Teo Chong Tee (Changi): Sir, may I know whether there is any delay in the project?

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: For the second terminal, it is targetted to be completed by 1990 and is presently on-stream.

Dr Wang Kai Yuen (Bukit Timah): Sir, what step is the Ministry taking to export the expertise built up in managing our airport to outside services?

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: Sir, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore has been participating together with contractors in Singapore, in particular Indeco, in exploring possibilities in other countries where airport expertise can be of use.

Mr Yeo Choo Kok: Sir, are we going to have any theatre in the airport? I do not mean the Dr Muller's theatre, but an ordinary theatre to attract travellers to stay longer in our airport.

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: Sir, I would ask the CAAS to look into that possibility although offhand I would think it is probably not a very attractive idea.