Through the Connect@Changi initiative, Changi Airport is prepared to welcome international business travellers. Image credit: Connect@Changi

As Changi Airport prepares to welcome international travellers to Singapore again, the opening of Connect@Changi – a pilot short-stay facility for safe business exchanges between international travellers and Singapore residents – is a significant milestone in this journey. The purpose-build facility located at Singapore Expo & Max Atria has 150 premium guest rooms and 40 meetings rooms for a start, and is expected to be able to host around 1,300 business travellers at any one time when it is fully completed later this year. 

A Premier King room with a view of the courtyard at Connect@Changi. Image credit: Connect@Changi

The project is part of the Connect@Singapore initiative and is developed by a Singapore consortium led by Temasek Holdings. As one of the consortium partners, CAG worked with various partners to ensure a smooth and safe airport experience for Connect@Changi travellers.

“We worked closely with our partners to design a smooth and seamless flow for Connect@Changi travellers upon their arrival. With the support of the Immigrations & Checkpoints Authority, we are able to identify passengers travelling on this programme as they exit the immigration clearance area. This helps us to ensure that they are safely escorted and transported to the Connect@Changi facility after their Covid-19 test at the Changi Testing Facility,” said Sim Peiwen, Senior Manager of Changi Airport’s Arrival Experience team.

“The departure experience is also designed to be safe and seamless. Working with Ascott, we are able to safely transport Connect@Changi travellers from the facility to the check-in counters, and escort them to Departure Immigration for their flights,” said Peiwen.

Beyond a smooth and safe airport experience, Changi Airport also tapped on the opportunity to enhance the travel experience for Connect@Changi guests despite the various safety restrictions in place. Working with the consortium to extend retail and F&B offerings to Connect@Changi guests, travellers on this programme can look forward to Changi’s range of dining and shopping options at the facility, delivered at their convenience.   

Through Changi Eats, Changi Airport’s food delivery service, Connect@Changi guests can enjoy local and international cuisines from a selection of up to five restaurants and outlets at Changi Airport and Jewel Changi Airport. In addition, they can shop Changi Airport’s range of tax- and duty-free products through iShopChangi.com, with collections done at Changi Airport before their flights. Connect@Changi guests can also get personalised shopping recommendations through the Changi Shopping Concierge, a chat-to-buy service.

“We aim to provide a stress-free shopping experience for our passengers. Through the Changi Shopping Concierge service, Connect@Changi guests can browse Changi’s range of products from the comfort of their room and see the items up-close in real time through a WhatsApp video call. The Changi Shopping Concierge team will be able to provide tailored recommendations, depending on their needs. For added convenience, purchases can be delivered to the facility or picked up at Changi Airport before their flights,” said Evonne Quek, Manager of Changi Airport’s Shopping Concierge service.

The Connect@Changi initiative is a major step as Changi Airport prepares to welcome international travellers once again. With the various preparations in place, the first guest was welcomed at Changi Airport on 8 March, with more guests expected to arrive from various destinations such as Germany, Indonesia and Japan in the next few weeks.

With a robust testing facility, highest safety standards and close cooperation with partners, Changi Airport is well-prepared and remains committed to provide the best experience for every passenger passing through.