Airlines, airport agencies, ground handlers, shop tenants and other airport business partners operating at Singapore Changi Airport's new Terminal 3 can start to move in and set up their offices and systems to prepare for operations. The terminal obtained its Temporary Occupation Permit in April, signifying the completion of its construction phase.

On May 29, Singapore's Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Raymond Lim, visited the Terminal 3 to inspect the finished terminal's interior works and subsequently announced the terminal's date of commencement of flight operations.

Minister Lim said, "One year ago, we crossed a major milestone in this project by completing the construction of the main building's structure. When Terminal 3 opens its doors to the world on January 9, 2008, it will bring us closer to our vision of making Changi a regional air hub."

In the next eight months, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will be working very closely with the various airlines, airport agencies, ground handlers and business partners to set up their operations and conduct rigorous tests and trials on critical airport systems such as the flight information, baggage handling, automated people mover as well as passenger check-in systems. Trial flights will also be conducted to test the various airport processes involving departures, arrivals and transfer arrangements for passengers. In addition, CAAS will also be conducting terminal familiarisation sessions for airport staff as well as other airport users such as ground transport operators like bus, taxi and coach drivers.

Since early 2007, invitations for proposals have been issued progressively for the various commercial concessions such as liquor and tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics, computers and electronics, fashionwear, watches and jewellery, books and magazines, specialty shops as well as food & beverage outlets at Terminal 3. Some of these concession contracts have been awarded while the rest will be progressively awarded this year for the more than 100 retail shops, over 30 food & beverage outlets and over 20 services concessions.

To enable members of the public to get a sneak preview of Terminal 3, CAAS will be organising an Open House later this year. During the Open House, visitors can view the terminal's completed interior before the start of operations.

Terminal 3 and its associated works cost S$1.75 billion. It will have a handling capacity of 22 million passengers per year, bringing the total annual passenger handling capacity of Changi Airport to about 70 million. The terminal will be equipped with 28 aerobridge gates, of which eight will be A380-compatible gates installed with a third aerobridge arm. Passengers using the new terminal will be able to enjoy the abundant natural light coming into the terminal in the daytime as well as other features such as specially designed landscaping and water features as well as an exciting airport retail offer.