Changi Airport\u2019s iconic control tower<\/span><\/a> forming part of the upgrade.<\/p>\nThe investment is aimed at meeting growing demand for air travel and strengthening Singapore\u2019s position as a global aviation hub, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) director-general Han Kok Juan said on July 22.<\/p>\n
The International Civil Aviation Organization projects that global air passenger traffic will nearly triple over the next 25 years, with the Asia-Pacific region accounting for about half of that growth.<\/p>\n
CAAS will refurbish the iconic Changi Control Tower and upgrade the Singapore Air Traffic Control Centre (SATCC) to accommodate new systems that will support future growth.<\/p>\n
As Singapore builds capacity on the ground to handle rising passenger traffic, \u201cit is important that we also build capacity in the skies, so that we are able to provide smoother, safer and more sustainable air services to travellers\u201d, said Han at a press conference at the airport.<\/p>\n
He added that this would strengthen Singapore\u2019s position to capture the opportunities that aviation brings to the country and the companies based here.<\/p>\n
While the tower, at about 80m tall, is the airport\u2019s most recognisable landmark, not all air traffic controllers work there. Some are based at the SATCC near Changi Village, managing aircraft during the climb, cruise and descent phases of flight.<\/p>\n
The Changi tower will be renovated to house new systems, with works including a new facade and the construction of an annex between the tower and Jewel Changi Airport.<\/p>\n
Work will begin in November and be completed by the end of 2028. During this time, the tower will be covered with scaffolding and an aesthetic mesh.<\/p>\n