Five years in the making, Changi Airport’s latest extension is touted to be the Jewel in its crown. CAG MD for airport operations mgmt, Mr Jayson Goh, told CNA last Thurs that Changi is positioning to be “a lifestyle destination in itself”. “For locals who already visit Changi Airport regularly on the weekends, we hope that Jewel will have more to offer and give them more reason to visit the airport and spend time with their family and friends here,” he said. It is all part of CAG’s strategy for travellers to spend more time there, and to woo more local footfall – but will it work? Industry experts CNA spoke with had different views on the benefits that Jewel will bring. Mr Brendan Sobie, chief analyst at CAPA Centre for Aviation felt that Jewel is not “part of (the) equation” for Changi in its ratings, but acknowledged that it will bring financial benefits to CAG. He added that when it comes to airport ratings, “it’s the airside experience and transit experience that counts”.... Continue Reading