OREANDA-NEWS. A new Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) is set to be constructed at the eastern side of Seletar Airport. A tender for the construction of the new PTB has been called yesterday and construction is expected to begin in October this year.

The new PTB, which will provide improved facilities and amenities, will enable Seletar Airport to accommodate growth of traffic. As part of the larger Seletar Aerospace Park (SAP), the new PTB will also support growing general aviation activities. At the same time, it will enhance Seletar Airport’s offering as a private and efficient business aviation gateway to Singapore.When the new PTB opens, operations at the current PTB located on the western side of Seletar Airport will cease.

With the growing demand for air travel and increased traffic at Changi Airport, there is a need to ensure the optimisation of the use of resources within the entire aviation system in Singapore. When the new PTB at Seletar Airport is ready in end-2018, turboprop aircraft operations will be shifted from Changi Airport to Seletar Airport. The shift will help to free up capacity for jet aircraft operations at Changi Airport.

“Seletar Airport will continue to be a valuable complement to Changi Airport. The new Passenger Terminal Building will enhance the capacity of the airport. It will strengthen Singapore Aviation. The new investment will also enable more opportunities to thrive in the Seletar Aerospace Park, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a vibrant aviation hub,” said Mr Kevin Shum, Director-General, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

“Seletar Airport has seen upgrades to various airside facilities in recent years. The new passenger terminal will allow us to better cater to the specific needs of the airport’s different users and provide a more seamless travel experience,” said Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer, Changi Airport Group.

Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd (CAG) was formed on 16 June 2009 and the corporatisation of Singapore Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) followed on 1 July 2009. As the company managing Changi Airport, CAG undertakes key functions focusing on airport operations and management, air hub development, commercial activities and airport emergency services. CAG also manages Seletar Airport (IATA: XSP, ICAO: WSSL) and through its subsidiary Changi Airports International, invests in and manages foreign airports.

Changi Airport is the world's sixth busiest airport for international traffic.  It served a record 55.4 million passengers from around the globe in 2015.  More than 360 retail stores and 140 F&B outlets are situated across three terminals to cater to passengers and visitors.  With over 100 airlines providing connectivity to 320 cities worldwide, Changi Airport handles about 6,800 flights every week, or about one every 90 seconds.