A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN THE BUILDING MAINTENANCE OF TERMINAL 1 AND TERMINAL 2 AIRTROPOLIS

Abstract

Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 1 has been receiving awards and accolades for consecutive years. The attainment of such glamorous title is not only attributed to the sophisticated setting and quality services, but also the physically well-maintained environment. Being the focal point where air travellers receive the first impression of the host country, the airport inevitably needs to achieve a good standard of building maintenance. Terminal 2, recently opened, thus necessitates the minimum standard of building maintenance in Terminal 1. Every possible improvement over Terminal l's existing maintenance system will not be overlooked in the maintenance of Terminal 2. The crux of this study therefore draws upon any differences between the terminals' maintenance systems. The emphasis lies in the major difference, i.e. the method of executing routine maintenance work - contractor or direct employed labour? This study hypothesizes the changes adopted in Terminal 2, specifically the engagement of a custodial contractor for routine maintenance, are improvements over Terminal 1 which employs an in-house team of direct employed labour. The use of several performance indicators within a time frame justifies the hypothesis. This study further examines the features of the custodial contract, particularly the comprehensive provision of preventive maintenance which is important in an airport where minimal cost and disruption are crucial. It is hoped that non-quantifiable benefits like the features offered by the contractor, together with the maintenance standard so achieved in Terminal 2, serve as a model for other large organizations to follow.