Ahead of the World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony 2015, where Changi Airport is nominated for the title of Asia’s Leading Airport, Breaking Travel News here sits down with Kelvin Ng, assistant vice president, corporate and marketing communications to discuss the latest news coming out of Singapore’s premier gateway.

Breaking Travel News: Can we begin with a brief overview of what has been happening at Changi Airport over the past 12 months? Are you welcoming new carriers, more passengers? Tell us a little about the commercial climate in late 2015?

Kelvin Ng: It has been a busy year for us at Changi Airport.

Besides our developmental works for Terminal 4 and Changi Jewel, we have embarked on a two-year partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board to strengthen Singapore’s appeal by raising awareness of the Singapore experience across airport and destination.

The partnership will allow us to collectively use our resources through our joint marketing programmes for better mindshare among tourists and increased visitorship.

BTN: Singapore is celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence this year. In what ways is Changi Airport joining the party?

KN: In line with the nation’s jubilee, Changi Airport created a trail comprising of 50 larger-than-life attractions in the airport.

These attractions are a collective effort across the airport community, reflecting the past, present and future of Singapore.

Visitors can immerse in the showcases of giant cardboard icons depicting the control towers of Singapore’s past and present airports, have their photos taken with larger-than-life durian or chilli crab displays, or view exhibitions that include fun facts about Changi or a behind-the-scenes look at airport operations.

Travellers and members of the public and community can also pen their well wishes for Singapore on the world’s first airport ‘Luggage Wall of Greetings’.

In addition, Changi’s philanthropic arm, Changi Foundation, will contribute S$5 for every S$1 received through its donation boxes in the airport.

The contributions will go towards supporting academic, vocational and developmental opportunities for disadvantaged youths.

BTN: You have recently rollout FAST Check-in with Singapore Airlines and SilkAir – how does this development benefit passengers?

KN: The FAST (Fast and Seamless Travel) Check-in trial provides passengers with greater flexibility and convenience as they now have another option for check-in.

It also offers faster and seamless processing through the automated check-in kiosks and bag drops.
Eventually, the trial will build up to a full suite of FAST options by 2016 for both airlines.

BTN: Changi Airport has been nominated as Asia’s Leading Airport at the World Travel Awards, having taken the title of World’s Leading Airport at the same event in 2014. How does it feel to have been recognised in this way?

KN: Firstly, on behalf of everyone at Changi Airport Group and the airport community at large, I will like to thank everyone who supported us.

This award is a reflection of our commitment to our customers and to service excellence, and serves as a deep encouragement for all of us at Changi Airport.