Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminal 4 (T4) is about to launch with its boutique design and innovative technology that offers end-to-end Fast and Seamless Travel (Fast) for departing passengers.

As a first for the airport, T4 will feature a walk-through, integrated retail concept: once through the clearance processes, double-height shop fronts will greet travellers and add to the drama and excitement of the new terminal.

There will be more than 80 retail and F&B outlets, including experiential zones and an integrated duty-free zone covering liquor, tobacco, cosmetics and perfumes. Shoppers pay for their purchases at common cashier counters.

New to the airport is the Heritage Zone, designed with the evolving architecture of shophouse facades to give passengers an insight into Singapore’s cultural heritage while housing a range of traditional retail and dining offerings.

T4 is the first terminal at the airport to offer Fast for departures with technology including facial-recognition software. Passengers can check in at their own convenience, and the system is expected to yield manpower savings of about 20 per cent in the longer term.

With a total floor area of 225,000 sqm, including the two-storey terminal, parking and taxi deck, the project has been completed after three years of construction. While just half the size of Terminal 3, T4 will have a capacity of 16 million passenger movements a year.

Designed by UK firm Benoy, the terminal has as its showpiece a central galleria (300m long, 18m wide and 23m high), separating the public zone from the transit area. This visual-transparent concept provides a clear view from the check-in hall through the transit area and, at some locations, even right up to the boarding gates. T4’s interior design is based on a symmetrical petal design, inspired by the orchid petal.

Readiness trials are now in the final stage, and once completed Changi Airport Group will announce the terminal’s launch date.