Singapore upgrading Changi airport

Singapore upgrading Changi airport

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Changi airport is undergoing a S$45- million (US$26-million) upgrade so it can cater for the world's biggest commercial jet, the Airbus A380, authorities said Monday.

Some of the modification work being carried out includes widening the runway shoulders, expanding the existing gaterooms by five to 10 percent and extending the baggage belts, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said.

"Changi will be one of the first airports to welcome the Airbus A380 when it begins operations in 2006," it authority said.

"About S$45 million has been set aside to modify the airport so as to continue to grow Changi's status as an aviation hub after the A380 begins operations."

When the work is completed by the end of 2005, Changi will have 11 gates at terminals one and two to accommodate the A380 and another eight more when construction of terminal three is completed in 2008.

National carrier Singapore Airlines will be among the first to take delivery of the A380, which is designed to carry more than 550 passengers. -- AFP