Crowne Plaza Changi Airport unveils new look

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport has completed an enhancement with new rooms, Allora, an all-day Italian dining destination, an additional function room, a Club Lounge and a revitalised fitness centre.

The design concept aims for a tranquil oceanic atmosphere. The furniture, crafted from a mix of natural wood finishes, brings a sense of warmth and cosiness, complemented by a colour palette that blends beachy tones with ocean shades. Light grey sofas and navy blue and yellow accents create a contemporary and inviting atmosphere.

Bruno Cristol, GM, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport and Area GM, IHG Hotels & Resorts in Singapore, said that the changes aim to cater to the needs of the modern business traveller, "whose concept of business travel extends beyond work to encompass a blend of work and life". 

"As the world’s leading airport hotel, it’s vital that we continue to adapt and elevate the guest experience. We look forward to maintaining our best-in-class position and welcoming guests from around the world,” he said.

Key changes include:

Additional Premier rooms and suites

Twelve new guest rooms bring the room inventory to 575, three with direct pool access. 

The suites feature a walk-in wardrobe, spacious living and dining areas, a convenient kitchenette with an induction stove and a generously-sized bathroom. Each bathroom has a bathtub, a separate standing shower, and a vanity area.

Revamped all-day dining restaurant

Now relocated to Level 1, the new Italian restaurant - Allora, helmed by Executive Chef Stefano Sanna, combines the energy of Milan with the coastal charm of Southern Italy. The Northern section draws inspiration from Tuscany's hills and medieval cities, featuring a central metallic mosaic pizza oven and industrial Milanese elements. Outdoor spaces are adorned with striped parasols, suggesting a Southern Italian seaside promenade. With a seating capacity of 264, Allora's spaces include a dining room, lobby lounge and bar, and an alfresco terrace.

Allora currently serves contemporary Italian cuisine and is slated to become the only Italian restaurant offering weekend brunch buffets in the Changi Airport area from Q2224. The buffet will feature handcrafted pizzas, artisanal pastas, and antipasti. 

New meeting spaces

The previous all-day dining space is now a 352-sq m multifunction room, Camellia. This venue is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, and expands the hotel's capacity for hosting meetings and events. 

Transformed Club Lounge and Fitness Centre

The former bar space has been transformed into a cosy, contemporary Club Lounge while the fitness centre has been refitted with the latest equipment.

Changi Airport Group to close Terminal 2 for 18 months

Source: CAG. Changi Airport.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) announced that in view of the steep decline in passenger traffic and the likelihood that air travel demand will not return to pre-COVID-19 levels in the near term, terminal operations at Changi Airport are to be consolidated. This will enable CAG and its airport partners to save on running costs such as utilities and cleaning as well as to optimise resources across the airport’s terminals.

From 1 May 2020, operations at Terminal 2 (T2) will be suspended for 18 months with airlines to be relocated to the remaining terminals*. This suspension of operations will allow for the current T2 expansion works to be accelerated with expected completion, currently scheduled for 2024, brought forward possibly by up to one year, CAG said. CAG is also in discussion with airport partners and concessionaires in T2 regarding options available to them.

Terminal 4 (T4) may also close, CAG said, if the remaining airlines at T4 choose to suspend or adjust their flight schedules, but with the objective of restarting quickly when airlines resume flights. At present, a small number of aircraft boarding gates are in use and shops close after the last flight for the day.

CAG has been in discussion with the concessionaires on assistance measures, and together with partners are identifying retraining and redeployment opportunities for airport staff to protect as many as jobs as possible.

Tan Lye Teck, CAG’s Executive VP, Airport Management said, “With airlines suspending flights in response to the sharply reduced travel demand, the consolidation efforts seek to help our airport partners during this difficult time. While the scale of our operations will be reduced in the near term, Changi Airport remains open to serve the airfreight and passenger flights that continue to operate. Even as our airport capacity is being optimised for the current situation, we will have the flexibility and we stand ready to ramp up operations quickly once the recovery takes place.”

*Details of airlines’ relocation to other terminals will be published on the Changi Airport website closer to 1 May 2020.

Revamped basement 2 at Terminal 3, Changi Airport offers new experiences

Source: Changi Airport Group. The revamped basement 2 at Terminal 3, Changi Airport.

A community event space called ST3PS, an indoor garden, and more than 10 new shops and restaurants are available at the upgraded Terminal 3 Basement 2 (T3 B2) this month.

Equipped with an ultra high-definition screen measuring 6 m wide and 3.5 m high, the dedicated atrium space ST3PS is shaped like a stepped amphitheatre that can accommodate over 200 people. In addition to free daily movie screenings, live sports matches and performances are scheduled every weekend. Aspiring artistes and performing arts groups can also showcase their talents to travellers and airport visitors at this atrium space.

Adjacent to the atrium space is a fun art-themed indoor garden, where visitors can look forward to large-scale sculptural installations in the future. The entire atrium and garden covers a floor area of 440 sq m, close to the size of a basketball court, and features over 15 varieties of plants.

“With the redesign, we have opened up this entire area to bring in natural daylight, add greenery with a new themed garden and brighten up T3 B2,”said  James Fong, VP for Landside Concessions, Changi Airport Group on ST3PS.

“The new T3 B2 reflects our continuous efforts to create exciting shopping and dining experiences at the public areas of the airport.”

As part of the revamp, Changi Airport has refreshed the current offering of 50 retail, service and food-and-beverage (F&B) stores at T3 B2. The aviation-themed food hall concept Terminal M by MOF is already open, featuring Korean, Chinese and Japanese cuisines. Japanese two-in-one concept Ramen Champion & Hokkaido Paradise, Thai cuisine and dessert Saap Saap Thai and Saap Saap Thai Desserts, popular local coffee joint Mr Teh Tarik Express and a multiconcept F&B outlet comprising Stuff'd, Crave and new brand Coffee Boy are also welcoming diners.

Other new brands are joining the scene at T3 include Tai Cheong Bakery's second café in Singapore. Famous for their crispy cookie crust and sweet egg custard, the cafe will serve Hong Kong café classics with a modern twist.

Le Shrimp Ramen and Canton Paradise Noodle & Congee will entice diners with a fusion of Cantonese, Chinese and Japanese flavours. Debuting its first dual-concept restaurant in Singapore at Changi Airport, its menu will feature noodles with prawns in a choice of two broths and the best of Hong Kong traditional noodle and congee dishes.

Another Changi-first brand, Wain’s, will also debut its first outlet in Singapore. It will retail its well-known traditional biscuits and signature snacks like salted egg crisp with seaweed and salted fish crisp with seaweed.

Japanese discount chain DON DON Donki will have its first airport outlet outside Japan at T3. The 30 sq m store at T3’s Departure Hall will bring to airport visitors their famous baked purple sweet potatoes, bottled drinks, confectionery, as well as a mobile food corner offering Japanese-style coffee and shakes.

Members of Changi’s loyalty programme Changi Rewards can enjoy an instant 7% saving with GST absorption at the public areas of the airport.

T3 B2 attracts about 17 million people annually.

Explore:

Get details on the screenings and live performances at ST3PS

Changi T3 unveils new Central Piazza

Source: Changi Airport Group. The new Central Piazza includes a Louis Vuitton duplex store and a Crystal Garden with a dandelion theme. 

Passengers at Changi Airport Terminal 3’s Transit Hall can now visit the refurbished Central Piazza, featuring the airport’s 7th feature garden made up of glass dandelion sculptures – the Crystal Garden.

The Crystal Garden has tiered garden beds incorporating a curated selection of flowering plants and 12 spheres of artisan dandelion glass sculptures in varying sizes. Inspired by the flora and fauna of the other gardens in Changi Airport, the glass sculptures glow, creating the illusion that they are floating on pools of water or swaying in a breeze. The dandelion seeds  floating across the Crystal Garden represent passengers on their onward journeys, spreading out to different corners of the world. 

The brand-new Louis Vuitton store at the heart of the Central Piazza is the luxury brand’s first duplex airport store in the world. It is the third duplex at T3’s Central Transit Hall, joining two duty free outlets and is connected to them by a linkway at the mezzanine level.

Lim Peck Hoon, Executive VP, Commercial at Changi Airport Group said, “The Crystal Garden is designed to engage the senses of travellers while capturing the carefree spirit of travel, as it greets travellers when they first step into T3’s Transit Hall. Besides the enriched offering of luxury goods, cosmopolitan travellers can look forward to an engaging retail experience in the revolutionary two-storey Louis Vuitton boutique. Without a doubt, Louis Vuitton’s definitive French charm and distinct travel heritage plays up Changi’s image as a world-class shopping destination. We are delighted to welcome Louis Vuitton to Changi Airport.” 

Behind the Louis Vuitton duplex store, the Central Piazza also offers a new open lounge with plush seating and soft lighting, a dedicated working area and individual charging points.

Changi Airport's fourth terminal holds pre-launch open house

Source: CAG. CAG organises open house for Changi T4.

The Changi Airport Group (CAG) today invited Singapore residents to visit Terminal 4 (T4) even before operations begin. An Open House will be held from 7 to 20 August 2017 to give the public a glimpse of what to expect at the new terminal.

Construction of T4 started in early 2013 and was completed in December 2016. The 195,000 sq m, double-storey terminal can handle 16 million passengers a year – about 70% of the handling capacity of Terminal 3 (T3) although T4 is just half the size of T3.

Designed with a boutique interior décor approach, T4 is set to redefine the way passengers travel through a creative layout, streamlined clearance processes as well as the way it leverages technology and innovation for passenger processes and staff productivity.

“The public has been eagerly waiting to see how the new T4 will be different from Changi’s other terminals. At the Open House, we will showcase T4’s latest innovations in enhancing operational efficiencies and productivity, in addition to the terminal’s many unique features. The Open House visitors will be among the first to learn about and experience the innovations and ‘wow’ features at T4 – facial recognition technology, integrated duty-free shopping, kinetic art displays, a Heritage Zone, and specially curated sculptures, among many others,” said Poh Li San, VP, T4 Programme Management Office.

During the Open House, which will run from 9am to 6pm daily, visitors will be able to explore the various T4 points of interest via a specially created T4 Open House app. The tour route is expected to take between 90 minutes and two hours.

At various zones along the Open House route, they will be invited to play location-based in-app games where they can win e-vouchers for use at Changi Airport’s retail and dining outlets. Visitors can also take part in the Photo of the Day competition. A lucky draw will be conducted at the close of each day, with airline tickets from T4 airlines to be won. 

Interested?

The T4 Open House is a ticketed event, with free tickets. Apply for tickets online. Each person who signs up can register for up to six participants.A total of 200,000 tickets are available throughout the entire two-week Open House period.

Visitors can access T4 via the two major expressways – the East Coast Parkway (ECP) and Pan Island Expressway (PIE). Visitors going to the Open House can also take a taxi or board a complimentary shuttle bus service from T3.

New Parfums Christian Dior Paris Pavilion at Hamad International Airport

Source: QDF. QDF unveils the Maison de Parfum  pavilion at HIA’s
main passenger terminal.

Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has brought the south of France to Hamad International Airport (HIA) with the new Maison de Parfum Pavilion by Dior, featuring the private perfume collection.

Passengers departing, arriving or transiting through HIA will be transported to the Dior perfume laboratory in Grasse, France, where they will discover the origins of Parfum Christian Dior’s craftsmanship. The brand’s full fragrance catalogue will be on display, with specific focus on male and female fragrance bestsellers, including Sauvage, Dior Homme, Miss Dior and J’adore.

Senior VP, QDF Luis Gasset said: “QDF provides passengers with the latest premium services and a variety of products available across all QDF’s outlets in HIA’s main departure terminal. The exclusive Dior Pavilion will enhance passengers’ experience while shopping, giving them the opportunity to try technology by being transferred to Grasse gardens in France through virtual reality (VR) and enjoying the customisation or the personalisation of their purchases with special engraving and wrapping services.”

This is the third consecutive year that QDF has collaborated with Parfums Christian Dior to create a unique and luxurious experience for passengers travelling through HIA. In 2015, the pavilion featured a 'Bed of Roses' installation displaying six thousand hand-planted flowers; last year it featured a 180-sq m animated Dior Les Parfums installation inspired by the Rose de Mai.

QDF is a leading duty free operator in the Middle East, offering its customers an extensive range of leading international luxury brands including Moncler, Bally, Burberry, Coach, Hermès, Hugo Boss, Rolex, Bulgari, and Harrods.

Two new dining concepts at Hamad International Airport

Source: Qatar Airways. Spizzico is one of two new restaurants in the North Node at Hamad International Airport.

Qatar Duty Free (QDF), in partnership with HMSHost International, which provides dining experiences for travel venues has announced two new restaurants in the North Node of Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha.

Burger Federation, a casual dining concept, opened its doors to travellers in the North Node of HIA’s main terminal. The restaurant serves burgers that have been reinvented as contemporary gourmet cuisine. HMSHost responded to customers’ growing demand for high-quality meat with a menu of locally and internationally-inspired burgers made from premium Angus beef and fresh toppings.

Guests are welcome at Spizzico, a quick-service, contemporary bread and pizza bakery offering an assortment of gourmet pizzas, freshly-baked paninis, pastries and salads.

Senior Vice President, QDF, Luis Gasset said: “We invite travellers to try Burger Federation and Spizzico located at the North Node as well as the more than 30 restaurants and grab-and-go-style establishments offering an extensive selection of cuisine from all corners of the globe, strategically placed across the South and North Duty Free Plazas and along Concourses A, B, C, D and E.”

Walter Seib, CEO of HMSHost International, said: ”After the opening of Doha’s first Harvest Market restaurant in HIA in January, we are thrilled to announce the opening of two more restaurants that will appeal to hungry travellers. The strategic partnership with one of the fastest-growing airports in the Gulf, helps us in delivering our mission and conveying our promise of Feeling Good while on the move. Also, this partnership enables us to grow our footprint worldwide with our mixed brand portfolio.”

HMSHost operates international brands and proprietary concepts in more than 100 airports around the globe. Through its HMSHost International division, the company has food and beverage operations in 21 airports across the Middle East, Asia, and the Asia Pacific region.

QDF is a duty-free operator in the Middle East, offering its customers an extensive range of international brands including Moncler, Bally, Burberry, Coach, Hermès, Hugo Boss, Rolex, Bulgari, and Harrods.

Changi Airport adds new prize to Be a Changi Millionaire campaign

Source: Changi Airport Group. This year's Be a Changi Millionaire competition offers a chance to win a Volvo sedan as well.

Changi Airport has given its flagship Be a Changi Millionaire* retail promotion a boost this year – with a new car prize in the form of a Volvo S90 T5 luxury sedan on top of the S$1 million cash prize. This the biggest retail promotion in any airport in the world according to Changi Airport.

All shoppers need to do to qualify for the lucky draw is spend S$50 in a single receipt** between 4 May and 31 October 2017. One finalist will be picked each month to go into the Grand Draw, bringing the shopper one step closer to becoming a Changi Millionaire. In addition, a seventh finalist will be picked from qualifying shoppers on iShopChangi – Changi Airport’s online shopping portal – and an eighth finalist will be drawn from the Platinum members of the Changi Rewards loyalty programme. Changi Rewards Platinum card members, those who make a purchase on iShopChangi, or use Alipay to make their payment will see their chances of winning instantly doubled***.

Shoppers who spend more than S$500 multiple purchases over a single day will get a chance to win the Volvo sedan, which is from Volvo’s premium sedan range featuring a turbocharged engine and 8-speed Geartronic transmission.

“The Be a Changi Millionaire promotion has been growing in popularity amongst our shoppers from around the world and is now instantly associated with Changi Airport's exciting retail offers. We are always looking at how to inject more buzz and excitement for our shoppers and with the introduction of the all-new Volvo S90 T5 luxury sedan as an additional prize on top of the million dollars, Changi Airport shoppers now have even more chances to win and to win big,” said Lim Peck Hoon, Executive VP, Commercial, Changi Airport Group.

Four Volvo S90 sedans will be on display at the Be a Changi Millionaire event sites at Changi’s terminals for the entire period of the six-month promotion. Shoppers can also take part in interactive games to win instant prizes such as attractive shopping vouchers from Changi’s retail outlets on-site or at the event*.

With the new prize category, a total of 14 finalists will battle it out for the two big prizes in the final faceoff of the shopping campaign in front of a live audience in early 2018. All finalists will each win a three-night hotel stay in Singapore****, with one finalist eventually bagging the grand prize of S$1 million and another one the all-new Volvo S90. The other finalists for the S$1 million cash prize draw will each win S$5,000 in cash, while those in the car draw will win S$1,000 cash.

The campaign attracted close to 1.2 million entries from participants globally last year. Since its launch, seven Changi Airport shoppers have realised their million-dollar dreams – including Singaporeans Ivan Rantung (2010) and Peh Hock Peng (2012), Australian Jessica Down (2011), Indonesians Irvung Tio (2013) and Ade Iskandar (2016), Irish Linda Tobin (2015) and Japanese Seiichiro Oiyama (2014).


*Website goes live from 4 May 2017.

**On iShopChangi.com or participating retailing and dining outlets in Changi Airport; except money changing facilities, top-up cash card machines, postal services, medical clinics, airline lounges, pushcarts, temporary outposts and Crowne Plaza Hotel.

***See www.iShopChangi.com/millionaire for more information on the chances for each shopping tier. The website goes live 4 May 2017.

****Except for finalists living in Singapore.

posted from Bloggeroid

Mastercard becomes preferred card partner at Changi Airport, Takashimaya Shopping Centre

Mastercard is now the preferred card partner for Singapore's Changi Airport (CAG), as well as at shopping destination Takashimaya Shopping Centre, fondly known locally as "Taka". The two landmark partnerships provide travellers and shoppers in Singapore with an enhanced selection of dining, shopping and lifestyle experiences.

“Our goal is to ensure that all our travelling, visiting and local cardholders have access to a stellar line-up of Mastercard rewards and benefits. From purchasing gifts and souvenirs at Changi Airport to buying a new outfit or dining at selected restaurants at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, we would like to provide our cardholders with incredible deals, compelling offers and rewards for their loyalty,” said Deborah Heng, Country Manager, Mastercard Singapore.

James Fong, Changi Airport Group’s VP, Landside Concessions, added, “We are delighted to embark on this partnership with Mastercard, which has helped us to create even more value for our visitors and travelers. With an exciting pipeline of exclusive events and promotions curated for Mastercard cardholders, shoppers and diners at Changi Airport will certainly be in for a treat. We look forward to continue working closely with Mastercard to strengthen our value proposition of delivering a rewarding Changi Experience to all our customers.”

Shuichi Hidaka, GM, Shopping Centre Management, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, said, “We are dedicated to providing world-class services and products to all our customers. This partnership with Mastercard will enable us to deliver even more value to our shoppers. We are committed to strengthening our partnership network to foster stronger and more engaging relationships with our customers.”

As the preferred card partner for Changi Airport, both overseas (business and/or leisure travelers) and local cardholders will have access to the benefits and rewards. The partnership also allows for all Mastercard cardholders to enjoy benefits for in-airport promotions and events if they sign up for the Changi Rewards membership programme.

All Mastercard holders are eligible to save up to 20% at participating outlets in Terminals 1, 2 and 3 (transit and public areas). All Changi Rewards Members who spend S$240 and over with Mastercard are eligible to redeem a pair of S.E.A. Aquarium one-day tickets (worth S$68) when they shop on the last weekend (Friday and Saturday) of every month. Retail outlets at Changi feature extended shopping hours till 11pm daily all year round. Shops elsewhere in Singapore typically close from 9pm to 10.30pm.

Further, all Mastercard cardholders who spend S$25 in a single same-day receipt at participating restaurants or cafes in Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2 and 3, can enjoy an hour of free parking on weekdays from 12pm to 3pm or 6pm to 9pm. 

As the official preferred card partner for Takashimaya Shopping Centre, tourists shopping with Mastercard cards can enjoy up to 15% off at all participating specialty stores, including Books Kinokuniya, Sephora and Pedro.

Interested?

Mastercard is also running promotions with Fiesta On A Great Street along Orchard Road, Singapore till 21 May. Takashimaya Shopping Centre is one of the participating malls

Seletar airport to handle 700,000 passengers a year

Source: Seletar Airport. Artist's impression of the new airport in Singapore.

Plans for enhanced facilities for passengers travelling through Seletar Airport have been unveiled at the groundbreaking ceremony for the airport’s new terminal building. The new terminal will be completed end-2018.

The new, two-storey terminal is sited at the eastern side of Seletar Airport. It will have a gross floor area of 9,500 sq m, of which 500 sq m will be dedicated to serving business aviation passengers.

Designed for around 700,000 passenger movements per annum, the building will be significantly larger than the current terminal, which handled about 26,700 passenger movements in 2015. This will support the relocation of scheduled turboprop flights from Changi Airport to Seletar Airport upon the completion of the new terminal.

To handle scheduled commercial flights, the departure area will have four check-in counters, four immigration counters, two security screening stations and a gate holdroom which can seat close to 200 passengers.

Passengers travelling on chartered business jets and private jets can look forward to a private drop-off area and a dedicated check-in area where they will be able to enjoy quick pre-departure clearance in a private and exclusive setting. The terminal will also feature amenities such a lounge area and dedicated immigration and security screening areas for these passengers.

On the airside (the area passengers go to after immigration procedures), passengers will be able to board their flights conveniently with three aircraft parking stands adjacent to the terminal. This reduces the need for passengers to be bussed, enabling greater operational efficiency and faster aircraft turnaround time. The three aircraft parking stands will be supplemented by another 60 located at the rest of the airport.

See Seng Wan, GM, Seletar Airport, said, “We have made good progress with the redevelopment of Seletar Airport in recent years. Today’s groundbreaking for the new terminal is another milestone in our plans for the airport. We look forward to providing passengers with a new level of experience, in terms of comfort and convenience, when the terminal opens.”

Daniel Ng, Director (Aviation Industry), CAAS, said, "The expansion of Seletar Airport will accommodate the growth of our air traffic and optimise operational resources. The new passenger terminal building will also complement operations at Changi Airport and allow for more capacity.”

Redevelopment of the airport commenced in 2008 and since then, the airport has seen several enhancements including the lengthening of its runway, the construction of a new control tower and fire station, a doubling of the number of parking stands, additional taxiways and upgraded aircraft parking aprons.

Emirates Skywards members can use miles to pay at Dubai Duty Free

Source: Emirates. Dubai Duty Free focal display.

Emirates Skywards, the frequent flyer programme of Emirates, has partnered with Dubai Duty Free, the airport retailer, for instant Miles redemption at participating stores. Emirates Skywards members can spend their Miles at Dubai Duty Free stores at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International at Dubai South.

Emirates customers travelling from its hub at Dubai International Airport or passing through on transit or direct connections to over 150 destinations in its global network can enjoy 34,000 sq m of shopping at Dubai Duty Free. Emirates Skywards members will enjoy a new payment method using Miles to redeem for over 35,000 products from international and luxury brands including fashion accessories, perfumes, electronics and more. Customers simply need to present their Emirates Skywards membership card or provide their membership number, along with their passport and boarding pass at the check-out counters.

Redemptions start from 4,500 Miles which is equivalent to AED100. Each additional dirham is equivalent to 45 Skywards Miles, and there is no limit to the number of Miles one can spend. Members can pay for products using a combination of Skywards Miles and cash or credit card.

Emirates Skywards is in its 16th year and has over 16 million members. In addition to special offers with partner airlines, hotels and retail brands, members also enjoy special access to global sporting, arts and cultural events.

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport presents mooncakes by the suitcase

Source: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. Mooncakes with teapot.

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport presents an array of well-loved mooncake selections, including handcrafted traditional baked mooncakes and snowskin flavours. The mooncakes, from a halal-certified source, are presented in a compact metal suitcase, an ideal gift idea for business associates and loved ones.

This year, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport introduces traditional baked mooncakes in three variations; White Lotus Paste with Double Egg Yolk (双黄白莲蓉传统月饼), White Lotus Paste with Single Egg Yolk (单黄白莲蓉传统月饼) and White Lotus Paste with Melon Seeds (瓜子白莲蓉传统月饼). These mooncakes are filled with luscious white lotus paste. For a healthier choice, the hotel also offers baked mooncakes filled with white lotus paste and melon seeds.

The new snowskin mooncake selections include Lychee Bits and Lima Beans with White Lotus Paste, Salted Caramel with Dark Chocolate and Crunchy Dark Chocolate. The Lychee Bits and Lima Beans with White Lotus Paste snowskin mooncake (荔枝、利马豆与白莲蓉冰皮月饼) contains delicate white lychee bits with a fresh, fruity scent and lima beans that add a buttery texture. For chocolate lovers, the Salted Caramel with Dark Chocolate snowskin mooncake (咸焦糖黑巧克力冰皮月饼) features melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate paste and a creamy salted caramel centre. The Crunchy Dark Chocolate snowskin mooncake, (香脆黑巧克力冰皮月饼) filled with dark chocolate paste with chocolate pearls, has an addictive crunch in every bite.

Source: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. A tin suitcase will house four pieces of mooncakes.

Mooncakes per box of four pieces (single piece)

Traditional Baked Mooncakes 
White Lotus Paste with Melon Seeds S$62 nett (S$17 nett)
White Lotus Paste with Single Yolk S$65 nett (S$18.50 nett)
White Lotus Paste with Double Yolk S$69 nett (S$20 nett)
Baked Favourites (传统月饼精选) - Combination of any selection of traditional baked mooncakes
S$67 nett

Snowskin Mooncakes 
Lychee Bits and Lima Beans with White Lotus Paste S$69 nett (S$20 nett)
Salted Caramel with Dark Chocolate S$69 nett (S$20 nett)
Crunchy Dark Chocolate S$69 nett (S$20 nett)
Snow Skin Delights (冰皮月饼精选) - Combination of any selection of snowskin mooncakes
S$69 nett
 
Interested?

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport's Mid-Autumn treats are available for order till 15 September 2016 at the Lobby Lounge of the hotel. Each box of mooncakes also comes with a S$50 dining voucher which can be used at the Azur restaurant or at the Lobby Lounge. To order, call +65 6823 5367 between 9am and 7pm or email LobbyLounge.cpca at ihg.com. Bulk orders are accepted; email requests to Evelyn.Suah at ihg.com or call +65 6823 5348.

An early bird special of 30% discount is available for fully paid orders placed before 31 August 2016.

Qatar Duty Free offers personalised bottles for purchases of Dior's La Collection Privée

• Passengers at Hamad International Airport, Doha can explore Dior’s gardens in the French Riviera
• Qatar Duty Free and Dior to gift scented roses to travellers in celebration of Dior’s new La Colle Noire scent 

The Dior Les Parfums installation is inspired by the Provence rose.

The beauty of the south of France has been recreated in Doha by Qatar Duty Free and Dior with the unveiling of a wall of pink roses at Hamad International Airport (HIA). The 180 sq m Dior Les Parfums installation, inspired by the rose de mai (Provence rose) – the signature bouquet of Dior’s new fragrance La Colle Noire – will greet visitors with a full sensory experience from July until September 2016.

Visitors to Qatar Duty Free can enjoy a perfumed flower garden modelled after Dior’s flower garden in the Château de La Colle Noire, France, while listening to live violin music. Visits to the Dior garden will be completed with a scented rose gift that embodies the beauty and delicacy of the new fragrance.

Qatar Duty Free is also gifting free perfume personalisation to all customers who purchase one of Dior’s exclusive La Collection Privée range from the stand, with the opportunity to have the perfume bottle engraved with a name or message.

Senior Vice President Qatar Duty Free Luis Gasset said: “Shopping at Qatar Duty Free is truly an extraordinary experience for our customers. Our range of luxury brands and exclusive offers are complemented by excellent customer service and incredible experiences that make a visit to Qatar Duty Free in HIA an unforgettable part of the journey.

“This exclusive Dior promotion, the latest brand collaboration for Qatar Duty Free, is part of our ongoing strategy to customise and tailor our offers for our customers who have the opportunity to choose from one of the biggest collections of beauty brands, fragrances and cosmetics, in any airport in the world.”


Commercial Director Travel Retail at Dior, Frank Dagher Hayeck said: “After the great success of the first edition held in 2015 at HIA, we are glad to present our brand new Dior Les Parfums Pop Up 2016 in collaboration with Qatar Duty Free. This year, we will go even further with this partnership, proposing to all the travellers passing through HIA from July to September a unique customer experience while exploring our exclusive podium and all of its numerous treasures: its hundreds of Grasse roses rising up to five metres high, La Colle Noire, (the) famous Christian Dior house, a true quete d’essence with Francois Demachy (Editor's note: Perfumer-Creator, Dior) and many more while getting unique Dior personalised gifts for themselves or their loved ones.”

Qatar Duty Free operates the retail experience at Hamad International Airport (HIA) in addition to an outlet at Doha Port. It is the second-largest duty free operator in the Middle East. At HIA Qatar Duty Free offers 40,000 sq m of combined retail, food and beverage facilities, establishing the retailer as a premier shopping and dining destination.

Salalah Airport marks first birthday

Source: OAMC. Salalah Airport.

Salalah Airport has marked the first anniversary of its launch, the Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) has announced.

Salim bin Awadh Al Yafei, Director General of Salalah Airport said, “OAMC staff along with our strategic partners are proud to celebrate this occasion; marking the first anniversary of the landing of the first ever aircraft at the Salalah Airport on June 15, 2015. The airport, which was officially launched in November 2015, has since played a prominent role in driving the economic and touristic growth in both the Dhofar region and the Sultanate as a whole. We are confident that the role played by the airport will be gradually enhanced in the coming years,” he added.

Salalah Airport can currently accommodate as many as two million passengers annually, and has already catered to 1, 002,653 passengers from the time it opened for operations in June 2015 till the end of April 2016. Given an expected rise in tourism, plans are already in place to increase the capacity of the airport to 4 to 6 million passengers in the future. 

The airport is equipped with 24 kiosks to facilitate the completion of travel procedures; which include an area dedicated to Oman Air flights, an area for other flights, and two additional independent self-service kiosks. The airport is also equipped with four passenger boarding bridges (PBB), used for the first time in Oman.

State-of-the-art technology was also implemented for the baggage handling system of the airport. This system significantly improves the capacity of baggage handling at the airport whilst also implementing a more reliable and efficient sorting system. Additionally, a new system provides accurate and instant information regarding flights to and from Salalah Airport. 

New screening technologies on trial at Changi Airport terminal 3

Source: CAG. A view of the airside section of Singapore's
Changi Airport.

The Changi Airport Group (CAG) is conducting trials on new security screening technologies that can improve efficiency and processes at the screening checkpoints. The trials are being conducted at two boarding gates at Changi Airport Terminal 3 until June 2016. This is part of CAG’s effort to deliver a better airport experience for passengers.

CT security screening for hand-carry luggage

The first trial involves the use of a new type of security screening technology called computed tomography (CT) to screen hand-carry luggage at the boarding gates before passengers board their flights. The advantage of CT is that passengers no longer have to take electronic devices such as laptops and tablets out from their hand-carry luggage and place them on a separate tray for screening.

Automated tray return system

The CT trial includes the testing of a new automatic tray return system. With this automated system, trays can be presented to two passengers simultaneously at the start of the screening belt, enabling both to deposit their bags at the same time. The trays are automatically returned to the line after each screening cycle is completed, removing the need for security screening officers to manually bring the trays back to the start of the screening belt. This will improve screening efficiency and reduce waiting times for passengers.

Bags that require further checks will be automatically routed to a separate channel for followups by security officers. This improves overall flow.

Enhanced body scanning

Currently, departing passengers at Changi Airport are screened using walk-through metal detectors. To improve screening capabilities, CAG is trying out a body scanner machine that uses millimetre wave technology to detect both metallic and non-metallic items. 

Passengers, after removing items in their pockets or on their body, simply need to walk into the body scanner and be scanned, a process that takes a few seconds. The data will be analysed by a computer algorithm. If a concealed item is detected, a non-invasive outline image indicating the item’s location will be generated automatically. 

This allows the security officer to zoom in on the identified area to check the item, which would be more efficient. If nothing is detected, a green screen with an ‘OK’ appears and the passenger clears quickly.

Millimetre wave technology has been certified to be safe. It poses no known health and safety risks as it utilises a very low-power non-ionising form of electromagnetic technology. The amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted by millimetre wave security scanners is many times smaller than that emitted by a mobile phone. The scanner complies with the standards set by the US Food & Drug Administration, American National Standards Institute and United Kingdom Health Protection Agency.

Said Alan Tan, CAG’s Vice President of Aviation Security, “At Changi Airport, we take safety and security seriously and are committed to maintaining the highest standards. We work very closely with the authorities to review and adopt new advanced technologies and process innovation to improve security screening and enhance the passenger experience at Changi.”

“The data and passenger feedback we collect from the trials will help us assess the effectiveness and operational efficiencies of these new systems, before we ascertain their suitability for implementation at the airport.”

Singapore Airlines and Changi Airport Group extend Changi Transit Programme

Source: Changi Airport Group.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) have extended the Changi Transit Programme, which provides SIA and SilkAir customers with rewards during their transit in Singapore.

Under the extension of the programme to 31 March 2017, customers who transit through Changi Airport on SIA and/or SilkAir can redeem a Changi Dollar Voucher (CDV) valued at either S$20 or S$40, depending on the point of origin.

Singapore Airlines’ Divisional Vice President Sales & Marketing Foo Chai Woo, said, “SIA’s global network combined with the superior offerings of Changi Airport presents a compelling proposition to travellers all around the world.”

Lim Ching Kiat, Changi Airport Group’s Senior Vice President for Market Development, said, “We are delighted to continue this partnership with Singapore Airlines, which has served us well in strengthening the appeal of Changi Airport as a transit hub. For our transit passengers, a host of exciting shopping, dining and leisure offerings await them at Changi. The Changi Transit Programme will make exploring our terminals even more exciting for SIA and SilkAir passengers.”

The CDVs are valid for one-time use at retail, food and service outlets in the transit and public areas of Terminals 1, 2 and 3. They may also be redeemed for one-time access to the Ambassador Transit Lounge at Terminals 2 and 3 for up to two hours. Services at the lounge include showers, light refreshments and a wide range of reading materials.

Travellers can also look forward to amenities such as airport-wide complimentary Wi-Fi, movie theatres and themed gardens while transiting at Changi Airport, where a convenient Skytrain transport system and shuttle buses provide easy access to all three terminals.

Through the Singapore Airlines Boarding Pass Privileges Programme, SIA and SilkAir passengers can also enjoy exclusive privileges when they present their SIA or SilkAir boarding passes at participating outlets in Changi Airport.

Interested?

Read the terms and conditions for the Changi Transit Programme

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about the programme in 2014

Changi Airport announces consolidated early check-in facilities

Source: Changi Airport Group.

More passengers departing from Singapore can now enjoy early check-in with a range of airlines at Changi Airport. Since the start of the year, common early check-in counters have been set up at all Terminals 2 (Row 7) and 3 (Row 10). There is also an early check-in lounge at Terminal 1 (near Row 5) to facilitate early check-in.

The counters and the lounge – open from 6am to midnight daily – serve as a common one-stop service point for passengers travelling with 23 participating airlines. Check-in is available from 12 or 24 hours before the flight’s scheduled time of departure (STD), depending on the airline. The 23 airlines serve more than 3.7 million passengers a year, or 13% of passengers departing from Changi Airport.

Besides the airlines served at the common counters, another 25 airlines separately offer an early check-in service at their own counters*. Including these, early check-in of at least four hours before STD is presently available to more than 80% of departing passengers. The Changi Airport Group (CAG) is working with airlines and ground handlers to increase this figure.

Based on a CAG survey, more than 40% of travellers are not aware of the availability of early check-in when flying. Hence, some don’t see the need to plan to arrive at the airport early. Unfortunately, perhaps due to traffic congestion on the way, passengers do end up arriving late. It is estimated that each year, for various reasons, more than 10,000 passengers fail to check in for their flights at Changi.

More efficient operations

In addition to the benefits to passengers, early check-in also helps to boost operational efficiency and productivity. Albert Lim, Vice President for Passenger Experience at CAG said, “Early check-in smoothens the flow of passengers beyond the peak period, which starts at about two hours before STD. Reducing the peak load shortens queues and lessens the stress on the check-in team. Overall, there is a better travel experience for passengers. At the same time, it allows for more optimal utilisation of check-in resources, resulting in capacity and productivity gains.”

“Changi Airport is one of the first airports in the world to offer a common early check-in service across airlines. We want to give passengers the flexibility to design their own travel experiences by making early check-in easier and more readily available,’’ he added.

CAG will be collaborating with hotels and other partners to raise awareness of the airport’s early check-in options. The common early check-in initiative is supported by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

Interested?

Check if your airline supports early check-in 

West Air's first international service connects Chongqing, Singapore

Source: Changi Airport Group. A West Air aircraft.

Changi Airport has welcomed West Air to its family of airlines with the arrival of the airline’s inaugural international flight from Chongqing, China.

The Chongqing-based airline is operating a thrice-weekly service between Singapore and the Western Chinese city on an Airbus A320-200, with a capacity of 180 seats. The new service, which represents the West Air's first international service, comes on the back of a January 2016 bilateral pledge to grow air connectivity between Singapore and Chongqing.

Lim Ching Kiat, Changi Airport Group's Senior Vice-President for Market Development, said, “For Changi Airport, Western China represents exciting untapped growth opportunities. Following the signing of the memorandum of strategic cooperation, we are delighted to welcome the initial fruit of our collaboration through the commencement of West Air’s operation to Changi Airport."

With 32 city links to China, Changi Airport is well-connected to the country. With West Air’s entrance, there are 12 airlines at Changi Airport operating direct services to China, offering some 560 weekly flights between the two countries.

Emirates Islamic opens forex counter at Al Maktoum International Airport

Source: Emirates Islamic. Emirates Islamic’s Foreign Exchange Counter at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central.

Emirates Islamic today announced the opening of a foreign exchange (FX) counter at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central. The new FX counter, located at the airport’s departure lounge, will enable travellers and tourists to exchange up to 19 currencies at highly competitive rates.

In addition to Al Maktoum International Airport, the bank operates a FX counter at Port Rashid Cruise Terminal. Foreign exchange and remittance services are an important aspect of Emirates Islamic’s retail product suite, with the bank offering regular seasonal promotions and competitive rates on the currencies available.

Faisal Aqil, Deputy CEO - Consumer Wealth Management, Emirates Islamic, said: “Al Maktoum International Airport is becoming an increasingly busy destination and is expected to handle over 26 million passengers by 2017. We are extremely pleased to open an Emirates Islamic counter to serve the needs of travellers using the airport. As part of our strategy to expand our foreign exchange offerings, we plan to open more counters at high-traffic locations such as malls and airports, as well as continue offering the best offers and rates to our customers.”

Qatar Duty Free presents new Dolce&Gabbana display at Hamad International Airport

Source: Qatar Duty Free. A new Dolce&Gabbana display features a 4m snow globe at Hamad International Airport that will be on display until 14 January 2016.

Qatar Duty Free welcomes the festive season with the installation of a Dolce&Gabbana display featuring a larger-than-life snow globe at Hamad International Airport (HIA). The snow globe, at four m high, is the centrepiece of a display showcasing Dolce&Gabbana’s products, and celebrates the launch of their newest fragrance for men, The One Royal Night. It will be on display until 14 January 2016.

The black and gold display, which is located behind the HIA Lamp Bear sculpture, brings the magic of a winter wonderland to the desert, with a snowman, gifts and the snow globe featuring the Doha skyline. The joint collaboration between Dolce&Gabbana and Qatar Duty Free offers plenty of options for passengers looking to buy a gift.

Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice President Keith Hunter said: “Qatar Duty Free prides itself on offering passengers exclusive fragrances and beauty products, and this is no exception. This partnership not only marks the launch of The One Royal Night at HIA, but is an opportunity for Qatar Duty Free to offer customers the Dolce&Gabbana makeup and Velvet collections. We hope that those travelling from, and through, HIA will enjoy visiting the beautiful display and exploring some thoughtful and personalised gift ideas.”

Source: Qatar Duty Free. The One Royal Night for men is featured together with Velvet niche fragrance collection and D&G makeup.

The One Royal Night for men is an exclusive fragrance within Dolce&Gabbana’s Classic House, The One. The newest fragrance, with an Arabian twist, is an exclusive product from the designers for the Middle East, inspired by the richness, culture and traditions of the region.

The One Royal Night for men is described by Dolce&Gabbana as a blend of opulence and sophistication boasting a woody composition with notes of cardamom, basil, wild pear wood, and spicy nutmeg, followed by a base of cedar, sandalwood, labdanum* and pure amber in its most refined form. Qatar Duty Free will also offer a select number items from the Dolce&Gabbana makeup and niche fragrance collection, Velvet, for the first time at the display.

Dolce&Gabbana makeup available include Classic, Voluptuous and Matte lipsticks, nail polish, Perfect Luminous Liquid Foundation, Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation, Perfect Matte Concealer, eyeliners and mascaras. The Make-Up Essential Palette Beauty Voyage is also available and includes eyeshadows, eyeliner, blush, illuminator, lipstick and lip liner in a stylish compact case.

The Velvet Collection offered will include both 50ml and 150ml bottles of some of Dolce&Gabbana’s most popular niche fragrances such as Velvet Love, Velvet Patchouli, Desert Oud and Tender Oud.

Interested?

For all Dolce&Gabbana products purchased at the display personalised engraving and gift-wrapping will be offered free of charge. 

*Labdanum, also called laudanum, is a resin from shrubs called Cistus ladanifer and Cistus creticus.