Airfreight operations at Changi Airport are centred at the Changi Airfreight Centre (CAC), a 24-hour Free Trade Zone where transhipment cargo can be broken down and reconsolidated with minimal Customs formalities. Within the 47-hectare facility, there are nine airfreight terminals (AFT) with two dedicated Express and Courier Centres to accommodate time-definite shipments. With a capacity of 130,000 sqm of office and warehouse space and 12 freighter parking bays capable of holding the largest freighters, CAC offers efficient and hassle-free transfer and clearance of goods.

Airfreight terminals
The nine airfreight terminals (AFTs) in the CAC have a combined handling capacity of 3 million tonnes of cargo per annum, operated by two ground handling agents – Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) and Changi International Airport Services (CIAS). These AFTs are equipped with state-of-the art material handling system to ensure the efficient handling of cargo. SATS and CIAS have specialised capabilities, well-trained staff and facilities to handle and store niche cargo such as dangerous goods, perishables, animals and valuables.

Express courier centres
To cater to the needs of time definite shipments, there are two dedicated Express & Courier Centres (ECCs) in the CAC with an annual handling capacity of 40,000 tonnes. One of the centres is operated by DHL Express as its Singapore Regional Hub, while the other centre is used by TNT, operated by SATS for general express and courier shipments. The other major air express players, FedEx and UPS, operate their gateway facilities within the CIAS Airfreight Terminal. Backed by efficient ground handling services, air express parcels can be shipped or transhipped within an hour, making Changi Airport a preferred hub for the express industry.

Office and warehouse space
There are four Cargo Agents Buildings (CABs), Cargo Agents Buildings C, D, E and Megaplex, in the CAC with a total of 125,000 sqm of office and warehouse space. The office and warehouse enable export cargo to be sorted, packed, loaded on the aircraft smoothly, and import cargo to be collected, broken down and cleared through Customs within a few hours. With its innovative flow-through concept, the Megaplex creates efficiency gains in terms of cargo processing time as compared to conventional warehouses. It results in shorter waiting time, reduces traffic congestion and has two accessible open sides – one for trucks and one for dollies.

Freighter parking bays
The 12 freighter bays fronting the airfreight terminals, each of which is capable of holding the largest freighters (B747Fs). There are also 33 remote stands to cater to additional demand. A fence separating the airside from the CAC was constructed and came into use in 2005 to further enhance security on the airside.

Related infrastructure
CAC provides a one-stop location for efficient clearance for all types of cargo. There is an Airmail Transit Centre and a Quarantine Centre for the inspection of imported animals and plants. There is also a 24-hour Customs Checkpoint to cater to round-the clock operations.

Access to Changi Airfreight Centre

Police Pass Office
The CAC is a protected area and access into the CAC is controlled by the airport pass system. To prevent unauthorised entry into the CAC, visitors have to exchange for a Visitor Pass at the Police Pass Office (at the CAC customs checkpoint). Access via the main customs checkpoint is manned by police officers at all times. ID and vehicular checks are carried out by these police officers on all incoming personnel and vehicles in a highly efficient manner so as not to impede cargo operations.

Parking at CAC
There are ample parking spaces for motor vehicles within the CAC. Please refer to the table below for the type of parking lots at the various locations.

Useful numbers for matters relating to Changi Airfreight Centre