S'pore may delay aChangi expansion

S'pore may delay aChangi expansion

Singapore may delay plans to expand its famed Changi
international airport due to the global downturn in the travel
industry, a minister said in remarks published Monday in the
Straits Times.

Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong said a decision on whether
to go ahead with the construction of a third terminal for Changi
costing S$1.5 billion (US$819 million) would be made in the
coming months.

"In view of the downturn, we are looking to see if we should
delay the building of Terminal 3 for a short while," Yeo told
local media Sunday.

"We want to be sure that we don't complete Terminal 3 and have
it half empty," he said.

Officials from the transport ministry were unable to give
further details. The new terminal was originally slated to be
ready in early 2006.

According to the blueprint, the new terminal would be among
the first in the world capable of handling the new superjumbo
jet, A380, being built by European aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

The four-storey terminal is designed to handle 20 million
passengers a year and will increase the annual passenger capacity
of Singapore's national airport to 64 million.

Changi has consistently been voted as one of the world's best
airports in the travel industry press due to its efficient
operations and varied attractions, including shopping, business
and leisure facilities. -- AFP