Singapore – Jun 2017

 

LANDSIDE

 

Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 had an observation deck. I assume these are still there. Views are ok and they do a job but not the nicest or cleanest of areas when I went.

 

I’ve heard reports of spotting from Changi beach if landing in the right direction.

 

 

 

AIRSIDE

 

Airside is like a mini city with everything you need. The transit hotels don’t have views but mean you can stay airside on arrival if you want to. You need to pre book them though as they fill up quickly. Plenty of shops like 7 Eleven, fast food places and restaurants to keep you going. 

 

This is a large airport and with the opening of T3 means it’s difficult to monitor everything with a runway on either side of the complex.

 

Terminal 2 overlooks one runway, Terminal 3 overlooks the other runway and Terminal 1 is in the middle overlooking cargo and one of the cross taxiways. T3 was mostly Singapore Airlines with several other airlines. T2 was mainly Silk, Tiger and some Singapore Airlines. T1 was Jetstar along with many Asian and European carriers. There are plenty of windows so most stuff should be seen. At night it’s a bit more difficult but anything on stand can be read. The inter terminal trains are useful and save a lot of walking. Most departures seemed to go from the runway in front of terminal 2 with arrivals on both runways so finding a spot with a view of this runway may be the best option.

 

 

 

HOTELS

 

Singapore Crown plaza – Rooms 910 and 911 reportedly have views

 

 

 

WHAT TO EXPECT 

 

Silk, Tiger and Jetstar are based and most the fleet should be seen in a day. A good variety of carriers from all the other Asian countries and worldwide keeps this place interesting but once you have the based stuff you would do better moving on to elsewhere.

 

Singapore Air Force has a base here and it was possible to see some of them from terminal 1. A seat on the right side for arrival would provide good views if you land on the appropriate runway.

 

 

 

 

 

SELETAR AIRPORT

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Only 20 mins away and mainly used for Bizjets along with maintenance and storage of some ATRs, F50s and B737s. There was about 50 aircraft or more around with most being identified however those inside the hanger or parked directly in front got missed. A car would be ideal but at over $100 singapore dollars for a day it seemed rather expensive. A taxi cost me $20 there and $15 back but meant a fair bit of walking. Walking along the western perimeter will get you most stuff. There is a terminal area with some FBOs around. Security had issues with me using binoculars from here so be careful. I started in the north west then walked around the southern perimeter and back up the eastern side towards the control tower which got me a few more. In total it was close to a ninety minute walk but well worth it with 14 new Biz and a couple of ATR frames made.