As of the end of 2018, all regional turboprop flights will operate out of Seletar, Singapore's secondary civilian airport. Changi Airport Group, which manages both Changi and Seletar, made the transfer decision in response to growing congestion problems at Changi. A new 9,000m2 passenger terminal is currently under construction at the eastern side of Seletar, with 500m2 reserved for business aviation passengers.

The airport currently caters to international aircraft charters, private flights, medical evacuation, maintenance, repair and overhauls, as well as freighter operations. The new terminal is designed to handle 700,000 passengers per year. Passengers travelling on chartered business jets and private jets will have access to a private drop-off area and a dedicated check-in area.

The construction of the new terminal is the next stage of the renewal of Seletar Airport. Redevelopment of the airport started in 2008 and since then, the airport has seen several enhancements including the lengthening of its runway, the construction of a new control tower and fire station, a doubling of the number of parking stands, additional taxiways and upgraded aircraft parking aprons.

The move is good news for two local operators of ATR aircraft — Malaysia Airlines regional subsidiary Firefly, and Malaysian/Indonesian joint venture Malindo Air.

Firefly has made no secret of the fact that it has been unable to respond to demand for increased frequencies to Singapore, due to congestion at Changi. The new dedicated facility at Seletar will help to resolve this problem, as well as opening up new possibilities for Malindo Air. The move is part of an effort by the Singapore government to boost the number of regional turboprop flights to and from Singapore. The new facility should constitute a nice showcase for ATR in Southeast Asia.