With the new terminal, CAG also hopes to increase the number of its city links to 200 from 170 currently.
Given that Asia Pacific is projected to be among the fastest-growing air travel markets over the next two decades, according to Airports Council International, the additional capacity at Terminal 5 will enable Singapore to ride on the aviation industry’s long-term growth in the region and beyond, CAG adds.
In addition to the East-West line on the MRT, Terminal 5 will see additional connectivity to Singapore’s city centre and other major hubs with the extension of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and the Cross Island Line (CRL) to the new terminal. Beyond the city centre, TEL will connect the airport to the Johor Bahru-Singapore rapid transit system (RTS) link, notes Wong.
Terminal 5 also offers the possibility of enhanced air and sea connectivity due to its close proximity to the existing Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, CAG adds.
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The new terminal will house a ground transportation centre that includes train, bus, taxi and other transport services. It will be powered by clean energy with a rooftop solar system that can potentially generate enough energy to power up to 20,000 four-room HDB flats for a year. Terminal 5 is also designed with the option to operate as smaller sub-terminals when needed.
Terminal 5 is located in Changi East, a 1,080-hectare development, which is almost as large as Changi Airport's current land size. Changi East will include the Changi East Industrial Zone (CEIZ) and the Changi East Urban District (CEUD). The CEIZ will serve as an integrated logistics and air cargo hub in the region, while the CEUD will serve as a business and lifestyle destination. Changi East is designed to withstand extreme weather and climate change effects. According to CAG, the airfield is designed with an elevation of 5.5m above sea level.
