$1.7 billion Jewel opens doors to give Changi Airport added sparkle in public preview from April 11 to 16
Complex an investment in airport's future; 500,000 to get a preview over six days
By Karamjit Kaur, Senior Aviation Correspondent, The Straits Times, 12 Apr 2019
Jewel Changi Airport, the $1.7 billion investment to help secure Singapore's premier air-hub position, welcomed its first public visitors yesterday.
After the project was first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally speech in 2013, it took four years to transform an open-air carpark into a 10-storey complex with shops, leisure attractions and facilities for travellers and visitors.
Over six days, from 1pm yesterday to 10pm on April 16, about 500,000 people who had signed up for free preview tickets are expected to visit.
When the 135,700 sq m Jewel, with more than 280 shops and restaurants, opens its doors to all from April 17, travellers will be able to access an early check-in lounge serving passengers of 26 airlines, including Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and Scoot. This covers 60 per cent of all departing flights.
Located next to Terminal 1, Jewel is connected to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 via air-conditioned travelators, and there will also be facilities for all travellers to store their luggage round the clock.
Mr Shukor Yusof, aviation analyst at Endau Analytics, said: "Jewel is an extension of Changi's constant move to stay relevant and profitable. It is a new landmark for the best airport in the world."
About a third of Changi's 65.6 million passengers last year were on transit flights, and Jewel will offer them new opportunities to dine, shop and entertain themselves, apart from attracting local visitors.
With the demand for air travel in Asia expected to grow strongly in the coming decades and competition increasing among airports, Jewel is a key part of Changi's strategy to improve the airport experience and grow traffic, said Changi Airport Group's (CAG) managing director for airport operations management, Mr Jayson Goh. He told The Straits Times: "If you are flying through Asia and looking to make a stopover, you can choose from several airports. We want to make sure Changi Airport continues to provide the capacity, attractions and amenities to cater for this growth."
Hong Kong International Airport, for example, is developing a 25ha Skycity mega integrated development, set to be completed in the coming decade.
Jewel's highlights include a 40m-tall indoor waterfall and a five-storey garden with more than 2,000 trees and palms, and over 100,000 shrubs. Shops and outlets include famous New York burger chain Shake Shack and American fast-food chain A&W.
Jewel - a joint venture between CAG and CapitaLand - will also offer play attractions from June 10, including a 50m-long suspended bridge with a glass flooring that will allow visitors to look down at the greenery below, a 250m-long bouncing net, mazes and slides.
It will also host the first Pokemon Centre outside of Japan.
Those flying through Singapore will have to exit the transit area to visit Jewel and clear immigration again before their next flight.
Jewel will also house the first Yotelair in Asia, with 130 cabins that can be booked for short daytime layovers or overnight stays.
Mr Lee Chee Koon, president and group chief executive officer of CapitaLand, said: "The combined catchment of residents and Changi Airport's growing passenger traffic makes Jewel a compelling proposition to draw international brands to Singapore and empower home-grown retailers to connect with a global audience."
Jewel was designed by a consortium led by Safdie Architects, helmed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, who also came up with Marina Bay Sands.
Complex an investment in airport's future; 500,000 to get a preview over six days
By Karamjit Kaur, Senior Aviation Correspondent, The Straits Times, 12 Apr 2019
Jewel Changi Airport, the $1.7 billion investment to help secure Singapore's premier air-hub position, welcomed its first public visitors yesterday.
After the project was first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally speech in 2013, it took four years to transform an open-air carpark into a 10-storey complex with shops, leisure attractions and facilities for travellers and visitors.
Over six days, from 1pm yesterday to 10pm on April 16, about 500,000 people who had signed up for free preview tickets are expected to visit.
When the 135,700 sq m Jewel, with more than 280 shops and restaurants, opens its doors to all from April 17, travellers will be able to access an early check-in lounge serving passengers of 26 airlines, including Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and Scoot. This covers 60 per cent of all departing flights.
Located next to Terminal 1, Jewel is connected to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 via air-conditioned travelators, and there will also be facilities for all travellers to store their luggage round the clock.
Mr Shukor Yusof, aviation analyst at Endau Analytics, said: "Jewel is an extension of Changi's constant move to stay relevant and profitable. It is a new landmark for the best airport in the world."
About a third of Changi's 65.6 million passengers last year were on transit flights, and Jewel will offer them new opportunities to dine, shop and entertain themselves, apart from attracting local visitors.
With the demand for air travel in Asia expected to grow strongly in the coming decades and competition increasing among airports, Jewel is a key part of Changi's strategy to improve the airport experience and grow traffic, said Changi Airport Group's (CAG) managing director for airport operations management, Mr Jayson Goh. He told The Straits Times: "If you are flying through Asia and looking to make a stopover, you can choose from several airports. We want to make sure Changi Airport continues to provide the capacity, attractions and amenities to cater for this growth."
Hong Kong International Airport, for example, is developing a 25ha Skycity mega integrated development, set to be completed in the coming decade.
Jewel's highlights include a 40m-tall indoor waterfall and a five-storey garden with more than 2,000 trees and palms, and over 100,000 shrubs. Shops and outlets include famous New York burger chain Shake Shack and American fast-food chain A&W.
Jewel - a joint venture between CAG and CapitaLand - will also offer play attractions from June 10, including a 50m-long suspended bridge with a glass flooring that will allow visitors to look down at the greenery below, a 250m-long bouncing net, mazes and slides.
It will also host the first Pokemon Centre outside of Japan.
Those flying through Singapore will have to exit the transit area to visit Jewel and clear immigration again before their next flight.
Jewel will also house the first Yotelair in Asia, with 130 cabins that can be booked for short daytime layovers or overnight stays.
Mr Lee Chee Koon, president and group chief executive officer of CapitaLand, said: "The combined catchment of residents and Changi Airport's growing passenger traffic makes Jewel a compelling proposition to draw international brands to Singapore and empower home-grown retailers to connect with a global audience."
Jewel was designed by a consortium led by Safdie Architects, helmed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, who also came up with Marina Bay Sands.
F&B outlets, waterfall a big draw for visitors at Jewel Changi Airport
Around 60,000 people become the first to experience Jewel's many offerings
By Lim Min Zhang, The Straits Times, 12 Apr 2019
At 40m, Jewel Changi Airport's indoor waterfall is the world's tallest. And it proved the popular choice for snaps and selfies as around 60,000 people became the first members of the public to experience the $1.7 billion, 10-storey complex.
About half a million people have signed up for free preview tickets to visit the 135,700 sq m complex, up to 10pm next Tuesday, before Jewel fully opens its doors next Wednesday, its official opening day.
Located next to Terminal 1, it is connected to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 via air-conditioned travelators.
Actor J. Jaikishan, 26, was among those who visited yesterday.
"Jewel is a giant teaser for what Singapore has to offer to the world," he said. "An indoor garden, nightlife, food and water features can all be found here, right where many visitors to Singapore will be."
While Jewel boasts more than 280 shops and food and beverage outlets from Basement 2 to Level 5, for many, the main draw was the waterfall that occasionally emitted mist.
"Even looking at the waterfall can be soothing," said Mr S.P. Yong, 72, a retired Chinese language tutor who was at the fifth-storey garden with his wife.
McDonald's service crew member Doreen Yong, 56, and her daughter Vivien Neui, 22, were among the first group of visitors to the Pokemon Centre - the first one outside Japan.
"We were excited to visit it as both of us are Pokemon fans who play Pokemon Go," said Ms Neui, a Republic Polytechnic student who walked away with a Singapore-exclusive Pikachu plushie.
Food was also big on the visitors' list of things to do.
American chain A&W, the first fast-food outlet to open in Singapore in 1966 before it pulled out in 2003, attracted long queues on its return to the country. At 6pm, there were over 50 people in the queue at the 24-hour, 80-seat outlet at Basement 2. A staff member informed customers that the queueing time was about an hour, with about another hour's wait for food to be served.
Restaurant manager Melanie Aquino, 32, gave up as she felt the queue was too long. "It is a pity as the last time I ate at an A&W in Singapore was more than 10 years ago," said Ms Aquino, who had taken half a day's leave to be there with five relatives.
Fans of Shake Shack have to wait longer, however, as it will open to the public only next Wednesday.
The New York burger chain, which will offer exclusive local items such as vanilla frozen custard ice cream blended with pandan and coconut and topped with gula melaka crumble, was open only to the media yesterday.
Three teams from a lion dance troupe were seen performing outside different shops to usher in good luck and prosperity.
Play attractions on the fifth storey were not open, but visitors could stroll through the garden.
Hobbyist photographer Goe Meng Hui, 25, was there to capture a good shot of the indoor waterfall. "This reminds me of the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay but yet is unique in its own way," said the undergraduate.
Around 60,000 people become the first to experience Jewel's many offerings
By Lim Min Zhang, The Straits Times, 12 Apr 2019
At 40m, Jewel Changi Airport's indoor waterfall is the world's tallest. And it proved the popular choice for snaps and selfies as around 60,000 people became the first members of the public to experience the $1.7 billion, 10-storey complex.
About half a million people have signed up for free preview tickets to visit the 135,700 sq m complex, up to 10pm next Tuesday, before Jewel fully opens its doors next Wednesday, its official opening day.
Located next to Terminal 1, it is connected to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 via air-conditioned travelators.
Actor J. Jaikishan, 26, was among those who visited yesterday.
"Jewel is a giant teaser for what Singapore has to offer to the world," he said. "An indoor garden, nightlife, food and water features can all be found here, right where many visitors to Singapore will be."
While Jewel boasts more than 280 shops and food and beverage outlets from Basement 2 to Level 5, for many, the main draw was the waterfall that occasionally emitted mist.
"Even looking at the waterfall can be soothing," said Mr S.P. Yong, 72, a retired Chinese language tutor who was at the fifth-storey garden with his wife.
McDonald's service crew member Doreen Yong, 56, and her daughter Vivien Neui, 22, were among the first group of visitors to the Pokemon Centre - the first one outside Japan.
"We were excited to visit it as both of us are Pokemon fans who play Pokemon Go," said Ms Neui, a Republic Polytechnic student who walked away with a Singapore-exclusive Pikachu plushie.
Food was also big on the visitors' list of things to do.
American chain A&W, the first fast-food outlet to open in Singapore in 1966 before it pulled out in 2003, attracted long queues on its return to the country. At 6pm, there were over 50 people in the queue at the 24-hour, 80-seat outlet at Basement 2. A staff member informed customers that the queueing time was about an hour, with about another hour's wait for food to be served.
Restaurant manager Melanie Aquino, 32, gave up as she felt the queue was too long. "It is a pity as the last time I ate at an A&W in Singapore was more than 10 years ago," said Ms Aquino, who had taken half a day's leave to be there with five relatives.
Fans of Shake Shack have to wait longer, however, as it will open to the public only next Wednesday.
The New York burger chain, which will offer exclusive local items such as vanilla frozen custard ice cream blended with pandan and coconut and topped with gula melaka crumble, was open only to the media yesterday.
Three teams from a lion dance troupe were seen performing outside different shops to usher in good luck and prosperity.
Play attractions on the fifth storey were not open, but visitors could stroll through the garden.
Hobbyist photographer Goe Meng Hui, 25, was there to capture a good shot of the indoor waterfall. "This reminds me of the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay but yet is unique in its own way," said the undergraduate.
More than 2,000 trees and palms, plus 100,000 shrubs at Jewel Changi Airport
By Karamjit Kaur, Senior Aviation Correspondent, The Straits Times, 12 Apr 2019
It took almost three years getting more than 2,000 trees and palms, and over 100,000 shrubs, into Jewel Changi Airport.
The plants span about 120 species and come from countries including Australia, China, Malaysia, Spain, Thailand and the United States.
Mr Jeremy Yeo, head of user experience at Jewel Changi Airport, said: "When we were choosing the plants... we had to consider different criteria, including aesthetics and their ability to thrive within the complex given its light levels, temperature and humidity conditions.
"Before they were transported to Singapore, many of the trees had to be pruned to fit into containers for sea freight."
Once they arrived in Singapore, the plants were nursed back to health at an off-site nursery and acclimatised to Singapore's tropical weather.
Mr Yeo said: "The procurement of the trees took approximately nine months, and another two years were given for the trees to be nursed locally. This process was critical in ensuring that the plants flourish in the climate within Jewel's indoor environment."
From the beginning, the aim was to mirror Singapore's reputation as a City in a Garden, he said.
"As such, the gardens in Jewel are key features in positioning the development as a strong tourism product and a one-of-its-kind, multi-dimensional destination that will enhance Changi Airport's reputation."
Those entering the complex from the main drop-off point and the linkages from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 will be greeted with themed gateway gardens.
A five-storey forest valley will allow visitors to shop and dine amid an indoor forest.
There are two cobblestone walking trails, each about 160m long, with cascading waterfalls and mist clouds along the way.
One of the two main gardens in the complex is Canopy Park. Located at Jewel's top-most level, the park features themed gardens, such as topiary and petal gardens, and dining outlets.
By Karamjit Kaur, Senior Aviation Correspondent, The Straits Times, 12 Apr 2019
It took almost three years getting more than 2,000 trees and palms, and over 100,000 shrubs, into Jewel Changi Airport.
The plants span about 120 species and come from countries including Australia, China, Malaysia, Spain, Thailand and the United States.
Mr Jeremy Yeo, head of user experience at Jewel Changi Airport, said: "When we were choosing the plants... we had to consider different criteria, including aesthetics and their ability to thrive within the complex given its light levels, temperature and humidity conditions.
"Before they were transported to Singapore, many of the trees had to be pruned to fit into containers for sea freight."
Once they arrived in Singapore, the plants were nursed back to health at an off-site nursery and acclimatised to Singapore's tropical weather.
Mr Yeo said: "The procurement of the trees took approximately nine months, and another two years were given for the trees to be nursed locally. This process was critical in ensuring that the plants flourish in the climate within Jewel's indoor environment."
From the beginning, the aim was to mirror Singapore's reputation as a City in a Garden, he said.
"As such, the gardens in Jewel are key features in positioning the development as a strong tourism product and a one-of-its-kind, multi-dimensional destination that will enhance Changi Airport's reputation."
Those entering the complex from the main drop-off point and the linkages from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 will be greeted with themed gateway gardens.
A five-storey forest valley will allow visitors to shop and dine amid an indoor forest.
There are two cobblestone walking trails, each about 160m long, with cascading waterfalls and mist clouds along the way.
One of the two main gardens in the complex is Canopy Park. Located at Jewel's top-most level, the park features themed gardens, such as topiary and petal gardens, and dining outlets.
Jewel a timely investment in future of Singapore air hub
It will help Changi keep its edge as dogfight for premier status intensifies and air traffic grows
By Karamjit Kaur, Senior Aviation Correspondent, The Straits Times, 12 Apr 2019
About one in three travellers who flies to Changi Airport is just passing through.
That is more than 20 million travellers a year, going by last year's total traffic, which hit 65.6 million.
Currently, those transit passengers with more than eight hours to kill before their next flight may decide to leave the airport and explore the city, confident that they can make it back in good time.
Travellers with about two or three hours in hand are likely to just hang around the terminal.
For everyone else in between, it can be quite painful waiting for five, six or seven hours to pass.
This is a key target group for Jewel Changi Airport, which welcomed its first public visitors yesterday and will open to all travellers next Wednesday.
Located where an open-air carpark used to be, it is directly connected to Terminal 1, and linked to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 via air-conditioned travelators.
When it opens, travellers with long layovers can head to the 10-storey complex, which has more than 280 shops and restaurants, as well as an indoor waterfall and a five-storey garden with more than 2,000 trees and palms, and over 100,000 shrubs.
Jewel will also offer play attractions from June 10, such as a 50m-long suspended bridge with glass flooring, mazes and slides.
Travellers can opt for early check-in and wander around freely.
A total of 26 airlines including Singapore Airlines - representing 60 per cent of departing flights at Changi - will offer early check-in at Jewel. More airlines are expected to come on board in the coming weeks and months.
For travellers whose airlines do not offer early check-in, they can still drop their bags off at a designated area in Jewel.
Once they are done shopping, eating and relaxing, they can collect their bags and proceed to check in for their next flight.
Jewel, of course, hopes to entice not just transit passengers but all travellers flying from Changi - hoping that they will arrive a few hours before their flights to spend time and money there. The other big group is local residents.
At $1.7 billion, Changi's Jewel is not a cheap buy. It is, however, a necessary investment in the future of the Singapore air hub, and could well reap huge benefits for Changi Airport Group (CAG) and CapitaLand.
With travellers becoming more discerning and demanding, and the dogfight for premier air hub status intensifying, an airport has to be more than just a place for planes to land and take off.
The best airports in the world today are those that also provide great shopping, dining, and other facilities and services.
Hong Kong International Airport, for example, is developing the 25ha SkyCity mega integrated development, set to be completed in phases in the coming decade.
Beyond that, an airport is the first view of a country that visitors get, and is critical to a nation's brand.
The Singapore authorities have always been aware of this and, while others try to copy the formula, they seek to stay one step ahead of the competition.
CAG chief executive Lee Seow Hiang made the point when he said yesterday: "Located on the doorstep of the award-winning Changi Airport, Jewel will be a place where Singapore and the world meet."
The airport's investment in Jewel is timely, coming at a time when the demand for air travel, especially in the Asia-Pacific, is expected to grow strongly in the coming decades.
It is, however, not the only thing that Changi is doing.
Even as Jewel was being constructed, T1 received a makeover to improve its look and introduce improvements.
Check-in counters have been replaced, more self-service check-in kiosks have been installed and the baggage collection area has been expanded.
T2 is next, with upgrading works slated to start later this year.
When all the works are completed, Changi's total handling capacity will hit about 90 million travellers a year.
Beyond that, works have started at Changi East, which includes the construction of T5, a passenger terminal that will eventually be bigger than T1, T2 and T3 combined. T5 is expected to open around 2030.
If the proportion of transit travellers remains the same, then the number of those passing through Changi with time on their hands will grow exponentially. To this large group, Jewel beckons.
It will help Changi keep its edge as dogfight for premier status intensifies and air traffic grows
By Karamjit Kaur, Senior Aviation Correspondent, The Straits Times, 12 Apr 2019
About one in three travellers who flies to Changi Airport is just passing through.
That is more than 20 million travellers a year, going by last year's total traffic, which hit 65.6 million.
Currently, those transit passengers with more than eight hours to kill before their next flight may decide to leave the airport and explore the city, confident that they can make it back in good time.
Travellers with about two or three hours in hand are likely to just hang around the terminal.
For everyone else in between, it can be quite painful waiting for five, six or seven hours to pass.
This is a key target group for Jewel Changi Airport, which welcomed its first public visitors yesterday and will open to all travellers next Wednesday.
Located where an open-air carpark used to be, it is directly connected to Terminal 1, and linked to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 via air-conditioned travelators.
When it opens, travellers with long layovers can head to the 10-storey complex, which has more than 280 shops and restaurants, as well as an indoor waterfall and a five-storey garden with more than 2,000 trees and palms, and over 100,000 shrubs.
Jewel will also offer play attractions from June 10, such as a 50m-long suspended bridge with glass flooring, mazes and slides.
Travellers can opt for early check-in and wander around freely.
A total of 26 airlines including Singapore Airlines - representing 60 per cent of departing flights at Changi - will offer early check-in at Jewel. More airlines are expected to come on board in the coming weeks and months.
For travellers whose airlines do not offer early check-in, they can still drop their bags off at a designated area in Jewel.
Once they are done shopping, eating and relaxing, they can collect their bags and proceed to check in for their next flight.
Jewel, of course, hopes to entice not just transit passengers but all travellers flying from Changi - hoping that they will arrive a few hours before their flights to spend time and money there. The other big group is local residents.
At $1.7 billion, Changi's Jewel is not a cheap buy. It is, however, a necessary investment in the future of the Singapore air hub, and could well reap huge benefits for Changi Airport Group (CAG) and CapitaLand.
With travellers becoming more discerning and demanding, and the dogfight for premier air hub status intensifying, an airport has to be more than just a place for planes to land and take off.
The best airports in the world today are those that also provide great shopping, dining, and other facilities and services.
Hong Kong International Airport, for example, is developing the 25ha SkyCity mega integrated development, set to be completed in phases in the coming decade.
Beyond that, an airport is the first view of a country that visitors get, and is critical to a nation's brand.
The Singapore authorities have always been aware of this and, while others try to copy the formula, they seek to stay one step ahead of the competition.
CAG chief executive Lee Seow Hiang made the point when he said yesterday: "Located on the doorstep of the award-winning Changi Airport, Jewel will be a place where Singapore and the world meet."
The airport's investment in Jewel is timely, coming at a time when the demand for air travel, especially in the Asia-Pacific, is expected to grow strongly in the coming decades.
It is, however, not the only thing that Changi is doing.
Even as Jewel was being constructed, T1 received a makeover to improve its look and introduce improvements.
Check-in counters have been replaced, more self-service check-in kiosks have been installed and the baggage collection area has been expanded.
T2 is next, with upgrading works slated to start later this year.
When all the works are completed, Changi's total handling capacity will hit about 90 million travellers a year.
Beyond that, works have started at Changi East, which includes the construction of T5, a passenger terminal that will eventually be bigger than T1, T2 and T3 combined. T5 is expected to open around 2030.
If the proportion of transit travellers remains the same, then the number of those passing through Changi with time on their hands will grow exponentially. To this large group, Jewel beckons.