Changi Airport Group (CAG) has entered into the next phase of operational readiness trials for the newly renovated Terminal 4 (T4) facility at Changi Airport in Singapore.
The airport recently used volunteers to play the role of passengers to test airport systems and processes, and it now plans to introduce commercial flights from participating airlines.
Since the commencement of testing nine months ago, Changi Airport Group (CAG) has worked with its airport partners to refine standard operating procedures and familiarize staff with the new terminal and its processes.
In recent months, volunteer passengers have tested its suite of Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) options, security screening, baggage reclaim, ground transport, way-finding, transfers, and vehicular movements in the apron. Altogether, more than 100 trials have been conducted, involving 2,000 volunteer participants and 1,000 members of staff.
Trials have already been conducted with military chartered flights and will soon include selected commercial flights. These flights will provide valuable opportunities to simulate real-life situations with actual passengers, thereby creating a more realistic operating environment to help identify any issues.
One of the key solutions to be tested during the trial flight operations are the FAST options, which incorporate the latest self-service technologies at various stages of departure including check-in, bag drop, immigration and boarding. The FAST trials also test the use of facial recognition technology, which has been integrated into the process to authenticate each passenger’s identity. This automated process replaces the need for manual identity verification by staff.
CAG will announce a final opening date for T4 once all trials have shown that the facility is ready for operations. Nine airlines will operate at T4 when complete, serving an estimated 8,000,000 passengers each year.
Images courtesy of CAG