Changi Matters

[BacchusMarsh]

A seriously interesting taxi ride from MBS to SIN on Tue afternoon - our taxi driver enlightened us to existence of 3 standby runways that Changi have outside airport perimeter.

Apparently SIN was a target of a terrorist plot shortly after 9/11. Sing govt took this seriously serious - they developed plan to have 3 standby runways able to be quickly converted to landing status should the need arise.

One is part of the ECP on approach to Changi and 2 others on northern side. The section of ECP is easy to identify as you can see less than permanent median strip up centre of ECP - indeed this median strip is designed to be removed within 20mins should need to convert to runway ever arise.

I assume is mostly true - anybody else with knowledge of this?

It's basically true. The specific details might differ a little, though. This is an interesting enough watch (lots of related videos too):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBMD4QTSyqM

On a peripherally related note, Singapore's IT-based intelligence is second perhaps to none, or maybe to Israel's.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I assume is mostly true - anybody else with knowledge of this?

Sounds like arrangements for military purposes?

edited: appears so - as confirmed by the video link from Bacchus. I believe sections of roadway in the USA are also similarly designed, with straight stretches built into highways at strategic points to facilitate military operations if required.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Taxi driver indicated that Sing only has 1 airport and if runways within destroyed they would be up the proverbial - was certainly an interesting ride.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Taxi driver indicated that Sing only has 1 airport and if runways within destroyed they would be up the proverbial - was certainly an interesting ride.

Maybe for commercial flights, but not for military: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_airports_in_Singapore I'm guessing it would be a tough order to recreate the infrastructure needed for international pax operations at another one of the airports, but they could probably channel smaller regional jets into the others as a temporary measure.

 

[LadyC]

One is part of the ECP on approach to Changi and 2 others on northern side. The section of ECP is easy to identify as you can see less than permanent median strip up centre of ECP - indeed this median strip is designed to be removed within 20mins should need to convert to runway ever arise.

I assume is mostly true - anybody else with knowledge of this?

I have also heard something along these lines. I always think of it when driving in to the city from the airport.

 

[marks]

I have also heard something along these lines. I always think of it when driving in to the city from the airport.

I lived there in 2008 and they closed the ECP for half day, on Sunday morning. They tested it with military aircraft which shook the condo I was in.
I always thought it was military as if there was a civil aviation issue, you could divert to JHB or Indonesia for a landing.
There is also a military training ground next to the ECP there as well.

Cheers.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I had a 10:20 dep out of SIN last week in ScootBiz - 07:00 arr to T2 to check-in at designated Biz counter with zero delay then off to pool for hour or so - fantastic way to start morn.

PP gets you access to T2 Ambassador Lounge opp ST hotel mezzanine level - F gates end. Lounge was surprisingly good for breakfast. There is a staff member there preparing eggs to order - omelette was really good. Toaster available but only white bread bit of a bummer but overall lounge offerings and facilities more than adequate.

 

[daft009]

Had a chance to use aerotel on a recent trip.
With our 10month old bub and a 12hr transit it was great for him to roll around and stretch out. We had a shower and nap as well.

The twin room beds can be joined easily and our son slept in between us with plenty of room.

 

[JohnK]

Booked S room online in maybe Jan for early Feb ... Was USD38 for 6 hours.

Saw some ridiculous rates with online travel agents and didn't think to check with Aerotel direct. Same price but looks like no availability next week.

 

[robtemt]

I seem to remember reading when we were in Changi back in November, that by the time we flew via SIN in June/July 2018, the Changi Voucher system might be done, but looks like its extended to 30 September. This may be old news for a lot of you, but just in case:

Changi Transit Programme

 

[daft009]

Normally in March it gets extended till the following March, only 6 months this time..perhaps the end is near

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Less than a month to the opening of Jewel Changi Airport - it is certainly going to provide a bit of fun exploring this.

 

[daft009]

Yeah looking forward to exploring the new terminal

 

[Cruiser Elite]

STOP PRESS - STOP PRESS - STOP PRESS

There is currently special Bvlgari promotion with a pop-up store right in middle T3 in front of Louis Vuitton. The promo runs til Apr 14 and not to be missed - links here - Changi 1st: Bvlgari | Changi Airport Singapore and Promotions | Duty Free Singapore | iShopChangi| Duty Free Singapore| iShopChangi

I was through Thu nt and purchased one of the Omni range for the Ette



$116 for the Crystaline (biggest seller) less 10% for something I cannot remember then less another 5% for PPS mship (I don’t qualify but they gave it anyway) then less $20 Changi Voucher =~$80 -

They also included a free gift of purse size one also. They cal also be personalised with name or whatever msg you would like inscribed on it

 

[moa999]

Nice video of Jewel here by CNBC

 

[daft009]

Can't wait to checkout jewel in July when I'm there next

 

[RooFlyer]

Damn. TPR next time, or Jewel?

 

[daft009]

Damn. TPR next time, or Jewel?

More reason to just fly J and save the points

 

[cove]

The young ones have been given their TPR invitations when they checked in at Perth Airport this morning.
We have never gone east to pick up Suites from SYD to SIN to LHR but I have been thinking about it.

 

[amaroo]

We've got a 13 hour layover in a couple of weeks.... plenty of time to enjoy the TPR, Singapore, Jewel and a repeat visit to the TPR