I REFER to the letter by Mr Syu Ying Kwok, 'SIA, don't split check-in over Terminals 2 and 3'' (ST, Jan 3).

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be operating from Terminals 2 and 3 from Wednesday - the first departing flight from Terminal 3 being SQ318 to London leaving at 12.50pm.

We would like to assure Mr Syu that the practice of operating from more than one terminal is not unique to SIA. Many airlines split their operations between terminals as the airlines grow and airports become international hubs.

In the case of Singapore, it is just not possible any more for SIA to operate from one terminal: the airline has grown too big, and a new terminal will be required to handle projected growth in the coming years. The decision to allocate separate check-ins in Terminal 2 and 3 was reached after careful consideration on the part of the airline and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

In order to minimise confusion for customers, SIA flights will depart from either Terminal 2 or 3 based on the respective destinations. In general, flights to Americas, Europe (except Russia and Turkey), North Asia and South-west Pacific will depart from Terminal 3.

Flights to Africa, South Asia, South-east Asia, Middle East as well as Russia and Turkey will depart from Terminal 2.

Customers should check in at the respective terminals based on their destinations. A complete listing is available on www.singaporeair.com and www.changiairport.com.

To help customers get used to the change, the check-in terminal will also be printed on all e-tickets. Check-in counters and boarding gates will close 40 minutes and 10 minutes respectively before departure - similar to current operations.

Arrival flights will be confirmed two hours before the flights' arrival times, and this information will be made known to the public via the SIA and Changi Airport websites, as well as via Teletext. The public may also call the flight inquiry hotline (1800-542-4422) or refer to the flight information screens at the airport for updates.

Cheng Kian Hai
Divisional Vice-President Customer Services
Singapore Airlines