Singapore Changi Airport Wins Skytrax 'World's Best Airport' Award

Strong Recovery of Air Transport and Airport Retail in 2022

Innovative Measures Continuously Enhance 'Changi Experience'

China, March 16, 2023 — Singapore Changi Airport has been awarded the title of 'World's Best Airport' in the Skytrax 'World Airport Awards 2023'. This is the twelfth time Changi Airport has received this honor, setting a new record for the most wins since the award was established in 1999. In addition, Changi Airport also won 'World's Best Airport Dining', 'World's Best Airport Leisure Facilities', and 'Best Airport in Asia'.

'We are deeply honored to be named 'World's Best Airport' by Skytrax for the twelfth time. This is a tremendous recognition and encouragement for the Changi Airport community. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all airport staff for their dedication and teamwork in overcoming the huge challenges posed by the pandemic, continuously improving the passenger experience, and keeping Singapore connected to the world,' said Mr. Lee Seow Hiang, CEO of Changi Airport Group. 'We also want to thank all passengers for their unwavering trust and support, which motivates us to keep enhancing the 'Changi Experience' and provide better service. In 2023, as the world fully reopens, we look forward to meeting you at Changi Airport and rediscovering the joy of travel.'

The 'World Airport Awards' are determined by passenger votes evaluating service and facility quality standards at over 550 airports globally. Each year, passengers from more than 60 countries participate in the voting. The survey and award ceremony costs are independently borne by Skytrax, and nominated airports bear no costs.

Edward Plaisted, President of Skytrax, said: 'Changi Airport winning the 'World's Best Airport' award is a recognition from global passengers, highlighting its popularity among international travelers. This award is the result of the collective efforts of all Changi team members, and their dedication is key to Changi Airport's success.'

All Terminals Operational; Innovative Measures Optimize Passenger Airport Experience

In 2022, all four terminals of Changi Airport were fully operational, with the previously closed Terminal 4 and parts of Terminal 2 reopening to the public. The Terminal 2 expansion project is expected to be completed by early 2024, increasing Changi Airport's annual passenger capacity by 5 million to 90 million. The expansion will add 15,500 square meters of space, with larger departure and arrival halls, expanded check-in and immigration areas, and upgraded baggage systems to enhance efficiency and reduce waiting times.

Beyond opening more terminals, Changi Airport continues to innovate in airport technology. Terminal 4 is the world's first terminal to implement a full 'FAST' (Fast and Seamless Travel) process, allowing passengers to enjoy a seamless self-service journey from check-in and immigration to boarding. Passengers flying with select airlines can also use the FAST process at other terminals.

Changi Airport has introduced a series of contactless initiatives, including proximity sensor screens at self-check-in kiosks and iris and facial recognition systems at self-service immigration lanes, reducing contact between passengers and staff as well as public facilities to ensure passenger safety and health.

In addition to hardware upgrades, Changi Airport offers a variety of services and products to enhance the airport experience. The iChangi app now features a 'Baggage Tracking' function to help passengers monitor their checked baggage in real time. The Jewel Early Check-in facility has also reopened, with more airlines joining the service. Passengers can check in and drop off baggage at Jewel Changi Airport at least three hours before their flight, allowing them to enjoy shopping and leisure activities at Jewel.

Upgraded Entertainment Facilities and Travel Retail to Meet Diverse Passenger Needs

Changi Airport boasts numerous entertainment facilities, providing a wide range of activities for travelers, and continuously updates them to cater to different passengers, especially families. The 'Chandelier' at Terminal 4 is a new play area shaped like a giant chandelier, 16 meters high and 10 meters wide. It is the largest indoor installation at Changi Airport, where passengers can enjoy climbing fun. The indoor rock climbing wall 'Climb@T3' opened to the public in March at Terminal 3, offering suitable routes for climbers of all skill levels.

Shopping and dining are essential parts of the travel experience. Changi Airport and Jewel Changi Airport together house over 550 specialty retail stores and restaurants, offering a diverse and vibrant experience for travelers and transit passengers. More than 90% of these outlets have resumed operations, and many new brands have joined Changi. The world's largest Bacha Coffee flagship store has opened at Terminal 3, and Japanese discount chain Don Don Donki has opened its first aviation-themed store at Jewel. More 'Changi First' pop-up events will also take place at Changi Airport, bringing brand promotions and global product launches to travelers.

Changi Airport is also committed to providing fresh and unique shopping experiences. In collaboration with Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail and Lotte Duty Free, Changi Airport has opened the first Martell AI boutique at an airport in Terminal 1. Using artificial intelligence, it offers personalized and immersive shopping experiences. The 'Martell Untouchable Taste' experience guides customers through the full Martell range and provides tasting recommendations based on preferences, with a robot bartender mixing drinks.

Special celebratory events also bring surprises to travelers. The annual flagship event 'Be A Changi Millionaire' returns this year. Started in 2010, passengers who spend a minimum amount per receipt at the airport have a chance to win a grand prize of 1 million Singapore dollars. In 2018, the winner was a traveler from China. Additionally, two Chinese travelers won car prizes at Changi Airport in 2017 and 2018.

Strong Recovery of Air Transport and Airport Retail

With countries gradually reopening their borders, Changi Airport's air transport has steadily recovered. In 2022, annual passenger traffic at Changi Airport recovered to about 80% of pre-pandemic levels, with full recovery expected by 2024. Following the lifting of China's entry quarantine policies, multiple China-Singapore routes have resumed. In the first week of April this year, 13 airlines will operate a total of 338 scheduled passenger flights per week (169 round trips) to 17 Chinese cities, representing a 43% recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

The increase in passenger traffic has also driven the recovery of airport retail. In 2022, Changi Airport's concession sales reached 1.1 billion Singapore dollars (approximately 5.6 billion RMB), representing 37% of 2019 sales. China is one of Changi Airport's key source markets. In 2017, Chinese passengers accounted for one-third of Changi Airport's retail sales. According to data from January and February 2023, the average spending per Chinese passenger at Changi Airport has increased by 44% compared to pre-pandemic levels. The three most popular product categories among Chinese passengers are cosmetics, luxury goods, and liquor.

Customized Chinese Content to Serve Chinese Travelers

Changi Airport has set up a Chinese website and a mini-program (on WeChat) to provide Chinese travelers with the latest entry policies and travel information. It also maintains social media accounts to engage and interact with Chinese travelers continuously, making payment easier for them.