Singapore Changi Airport

VS
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport
A Design Comparison between the Best and the
Worst
Melijruth Jill C. Valentino
2014-20520

INTRODUCTION
The comparison will be between Changi Airport of Singapore as the best, and
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport as the worst. Congrats to Changi for being
the best airport in the world and to NAIA for making it out of the worst. This was all
based on a lot of surveys I looked into like those of CNN, CheatSheet, and The
Guide in Sleeping in Airports.
COMPARISON
Location
o Changi
Located in Changi, at the eastern end of Singapore, approximately
17.2 kilometres (10.7 mi) northeast[4] from Marina Bay (in Singapore's
Downtown Core), on a 13-square-kilometre (5.0 sq mi) site. Near Golf
courses, country clubs and a park. There is is also a big vacant lot in
the back of T2.
o NAIA
Located along the border between the cities of Pasay and Paraaque,
about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) south of Manila proper and southwest of
Makati. Near villages, compounds, homes and a resort.

NAIA

Changi

Review
Changi is near properties that has big lands which is good
because only a few people goes there and the noise the
airplane will not disturb them because theres a big landscape
away from it and when you land the landscape will be the first
thing you see unlike here in NAIA which youll see a lot of
structures and houses first. In addition, aeroplanes could fly over

the sea, avoiding noise pollution issues within residential areas .

While NAIA is near a lot of residential lands that might disturb
the people there when they hear the plane just like people here
are near the train rails. I also think that because its near the
residential areas it also causes traffic because Filipinos living in
those villages might have at least a car. Resulting to traffics and
lots of congestions.

Recommendations
NAIA should have a landscape to cover those houses near the
landing because they still have a huge plot of land without
anything on it. Changi made of use of it as landscape and to be
eco friendly so we should be inspired by them. I would
recommend to add another route but since the skyway is
already on its way I would only suggest to build it faster.

Circulation
o Changi
In most airports there is always a possibility where you can get lost but
not here in Changgi as long as you can read the signs. There are signs
for easy navigation. And the stores are well placed so you can easily
see them. There are walkalators when you get tired and lots of maps
and benches.
I will be providing a map of the terminals and the locations of its stores
and even the restrooms can be easily detected.

o NAIA

The planning is designed so that the walk of the passengers wont be

long. The circulation is also good and is easy to navigate. There are
maps and food shops around too. The bathroom though will be quite a
walk so better plan your break early. The shops are upstairs so you
might not see them. Its easy because its not that big.
Here is a map of T3 since its an international airport.

Review
Changi is fairly easy to navigate plus since they provide maps at
the entrance and there is lots of sign boards posted. In addition
there are the info booths that we can go to ask and the app. I
think its well planned out especially in the transit where before
you get to the boarding gate you will pass lots of stores so its
sort of an advertisement also. Same with NAIA in the boarding
like you can see the duty free but theres not a lot of stores to
begin with in NAIA. And if your tired in walking in Changi you
can use the walkalator while here in the NAIA most of the time
its not walking.

Recommendations
In NAIA should provide walkalator that is always working,
attentive workers that will provide directions when your lost. Add
more restrooms that are clean.

Accessibility
o Changi
Easy to access for passengers using only public transportation since
they have the sky train connected to each terminal and the external
connections are the bus, mrt and taxi. There is also a free shuttle from

T3 to the park. Accessible also to pwd because it has large spaces.

You can also walk through it as shown in the map below.

o NAIA
Taxi service is available to NAIA from all points of Metro Manila. Also,
jeepney and bus routes are available to the airport. Both forms of
transportation facilities connect all three NAIA terminals as well. Take
only official, metered or pre-booked taxis. Do not accept rides from
people that approach you in the terminal. Using taxi it will take about 20
minutes to one hour for the trip, depending on traffic. Many of the major
hotels run cars which you can book in advance, or you can look for a
hotel representative in Arrivals. The cost is around 750-950 Pesos
(30USD-38USD). Manila airport is also connected to the Manila Light
Rail Transit System (LRT) by a two-kilometer taxi ride to Baclaran
station. In the future, with the extension of the existing Yellow Line, a
new station, Manila International Airport station, is set to connect the
airport, albeit still indirectly, to the LRT.

Review
The trains and mrt connected to Changi Airport made it easier
and convenient for the passengers to go in and out of the
terminals. In addition the bus and taxis are very orderly. I
remember that when I was there, there is a taxi stand that you
just need to press a button to alert a driver that there is a
passenger there waiting for a taxi and instantly the taxi comes.
Plus they are not choosy. While here in NAIA the terminals are
so far away from each other especially T3 if you ever got to T2
or T1. You will need to pay extra to the taxi plus you might even
get stuck in traffic wasting time. Traffic here in the Philippines
are everywhere especially there in Roxas Blvd.
Recommendations
According to the website of NAIA they are planning on
connecting a Intenational Airport Station like the Sky Train of
Changi. I think that would be a big achievement and while theyll
be doing that why not connect MRT directly to T1 so people
wont need to grab taxi and pay more. Or why not make a whole
new transit system like a subway connecting to it. It wuld not
disturb those above ground too.

 Design
o Changi
As all of Singapores buildings they always incorporate in their designs
that the greener the better. Its is also very stylish and modern. Full of
glass and well thought out designs. Very easy to navigate and very
clean. Such a huge structure with vibrant colors. Its very beautiful and
mesmerizing. The small halls above the 2nd pic below serves as the
aircon. The terminals were all beautiful on there own and they have a
pattern.
There are 5 Terminals:
- Terminal 1: Singapore Changi Airport's oldest terminal operated as
the sole terminal from its opening on 1 July 1981 right up until the
opening of Terminal 2 nine years later. Configured in a H-shaped
layout to maximize the number of aerobridges which may be built, it
underwent two major upgrading works over its lifespan.
- Terminal 2: Terminal 2 opened on 22 November 1990 as part of
Phase II in the original airport master plan. Deploying a linear
configuration parallel to the runways, it is located adjacent to
Terminal 1 towards the south, and heralded the opening of the
original sky train system linking the two terminals via the landside.
- Former Budget Terminal : dedicated terminal catering to the
budget traveler. Actually the 3rd but was not included in the number
scheme.
- JetQuay CIP Terminal : the airport's fourth terminal, is a privately
run terminal, located next to T2. JetQuay provides private check-in,
baggage handling, and immigration clearance services. Its a luxury
airport.
- Terminal 3 : increasing the airport's annual passenger capacity by
22 million. Has the same configuration as T2 just mirrored to it.

o NAIA
There are 4 terminals:
- Terminal 1: NAIA Terminal - International flights except Philippine
Airlines, PAL Express, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Zest, Tigerair
Philippines, All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air
Lines, KLM, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines.
- Terminal 2: Centennial Terminal - All Philippine Airlines flights only,
and it is divided into two wings: North wing for International Flights,
South wing for Domestic Flights.
- Terminal 3: NAIA International Terminal - International flights not
served at Terminal 1. Is the newest and biggest terminal.
- Domestic Terminal or Terminal 4 - All domestic flights other than
Philippine Airlines
A new terminal is currently in design stage for the budget airlines.
All terminals has plain gray or concrete color in them, its design is not
modern but more like that of old times. It feels very serious but the design was cool
too. Provides natural lighting too. Fully airconditioned.

Review
Changi is like a hotel and it has very welcoming vibe to it while
NAIA is like a business building and its designs are old. Changi
has green architecture and their airport serves as a tourist spot
as well, very clean and bright and you feel rich when your there.
In NAIA its very boring some green architecture there and
landscaping but just a few and does not serve as a spot for
people to gather.

Recommendations
In NAIA, we should add more greens plus maybe promote our
culture to like using our own Filipino style and merging it with
modern style. Provide more brilliant structures to soothe the
boring minds of the passengers.

 Capacity
o Changi
In Terminal 1

Floor area

308,000 m2 (3,320,000 sq ft)

Handling capacity

21 million passengers

Parking bays

29 (aerobridge)
16 (remote)

In Terminal 2

Floor area

358,000 m2 (3,850,000 sq ft)

Handling capacity

23 million passengers

Parking bays

35 (aerobridge)
11 (remote)

In Terminal 3

Floor area

380,000 m2 (4,100,000 sq ft)

Handling capacity

22 million passengers

Parking bays

28 (aerobridge)
15 (remote)

Designed for both current and future needs of the country. Since its the
Singaporeans primary airport. They have at least 6800 flights every
week and almost 1 flight every 90 seconds, with that they need more
runways more capacity.
Total

Floor area

1,046,000 m2 (11,260,000 sq ft)

Handling capacity

66 million passengers

Parking bays

92 (aerobridge)
42 (remote)

o NAIA
In Terminal 1

Area

67,000 square metres (720,000 sq ft)

Handling capacity 6 million passengers

18 (aerobridge)

Jet bridges

In Terminal 2

Area

75,000 square metres (810,000 sq ft)

Handling capacity 9 million passengers

Jet bridges

12 (aerobridge)
In Terminal 3

189,000 square metres (2,030,000 sq ft)

Area

Handling capacity 13 million passengers

34 (aerobridge)
20 (contact)

Jet bridges

Total

205,500 square metres (2,212,000 sq ft)

Area

Handling capacity 28 million passengers

64 (aerobridge)
20 (contact)

Jet bridges

It is the only airport serving manila area. Philippines is one of the

busiest airports because of our OFWs and the tourists, investors that
come to our country.

Review
Based on the tables we can see that the Changi has more
passenger capacity than NAIA and they have future plans to
expand it as well.

Recommendations
NAIA should increase or expand its capacity so that we can
avoid queues and fast transactions. But first clean the airports.

Technology
o Changi
They have a Service Workforce Instant Feedback Transformation
(SWIFT) so the passengers can easily send them feedback on what to
improve. System Advanced Air Traffic Management System
Improvement on safety and security system for the airplanes. Access
control and surveillance system and IT Service for passengers. Ground
operation which are Sky train and City connection. Baggage Storage

System (late 2007). They also have and app available for ios and
android, so passengers can
reduce directional request and
efficiently helping them fast. A fast
tray return system so they can
return the baggage to more

passengers quickly. They also have a self-boarding gates.

o NAIA
The terminal has been fitted with state of the-art electronic systems,
with 70 FIDs (flight information displays) and 314 LCD display
monitors. The departure hall's five entrances are equipped with X-ray
machines.The final security check area prior to the boarding gates has
18 X-ray machines to minimise inconvenience to boarding passengers.
The baggage claim hall has seven large carousels, each with a FID.

Review
Changi surely has the latest of technologies out there that will
make all the passengers and the publics life easier. Starting
from its bathroom to its attractions. Even the transportation is
part of the technology its fast and efficient. While the NAIA was
like trap in a time warp long ago. But lately its improving though,
now we can webcheck-in so we wont need to stand-up in those
long queues and we can also grab a taxi easily because there is
a booth already for the GRAB.

Recommendations
For Changi none since they are always up-to-date and for NAIA
I think we should invest in airport technologies. They will make
both the workers and passengers life easier and we can
definitely avoid those long queues and delayed flights.

Services
o Changi
Changi offers a lot of their services in all of their terminals. Both for
public and in transit. There are swimming pools, a lot of
concessionaires, structures like the kinectic rain in T1, slide at T3 and a
lot of garden because Singaporeans are very eco-friendly and in all
there designs they incorporate a lot of sustainable architecture. There
website is also part of the services. They
really put a lot into it so those who will
travel will know what they offer
beforehand.

Changi also has the skytrain that makes it fast to travel between
terminals and there are bus stops right in front of the exit and taxi
stands.

o NAIA
Theres a lot of taxi around, and there also jeepneys and buses but
youll have to walk a few km to get there. Plus some taxi drivers might
over charge you. Anyways, there is also a free wifi and theres a lot of
stores. In addition a lots of restaurants and fast foods too.

Review
Changi has a lot of gardens which is great because it promotes
green architecture and landscaping plus its pleasing and
calming to the eyes. Actually to the lots of times I have been
there Ive never step foot in those garden as far as I can
remember but through research now I know so maybe next time
but Ive seen the Kinetic Rain Sculpture and it was so
mesmerizing, it was lovely. I was even stuck looking at it for a
couple of minutes. While for NAIA it doesnt offer much yet they
provide bad service of what they got. The bathrooms are
unclean and sometimes there is no flush. According to a friend
of my mother she once missed her flight and would like to buy
again in the ticketing office but there is no one there to assist
her. My mother also said that there is no system and the place is
very dirty in comparison to Changi which is very clean.

Recommendations
I think its very obvious that they should get workers that are up
to the job of maintaining our facilities here in NAIA or add some
more workers to help them. They should also get workers that
are diligent, hardworking and passionate to serve its customers.
Also add more services to provide the tourist and or other
passengers. Add spots and places for tourists and passengers
to relax and enjoy before and after there flight.

FUTURE PLANS
Changi plans to expands its airport to accommodate more passengers and
build another terminal in 2017 and in 2020.
NAIA with the help of Budji+Royal and Kenneth Cobonpue hopefully they
renovate the terminal 1 incorporating our culture and more modern designs so that
we dont get left behind. They also plan to build another terminal, a budget terminal,
which will be terminal 5 which is currently on its planning stage.
CONCLUSION

I, therefore conclude that Changi realy deserves its award as the best airport
in the world providing innovative and sustainable designs in their airport and you can
really see that they prioritize the comfortability and enjoyment of their passengers. All
workers are also dedicated to their work and is strict which is good to ensure the
safety of the passengers. They are very accommodating and welcoming. The airport
and super clean and uses the latest of technologies.
While NAIA still need to improve, and we should remove those workers that
are lazy and not doing there work properly like taking bribes from passengers. Clean
and maintain the facilities of the airport properly. Put places that will help the
passengers relax and also promote our culture.
Overall, we should repair and renovate our facilities so that the people
passing here will know what we are capable of. Budji, Royal and Cobonpue
(designers and architect of the future terminal 1) even said
We believe that no matter how beautiful our country is, our airports give the
first and last impressions,"