Amzar File

Singapore Flyer Celebrates First Birthday with Key Milestone

The World’s Largest Giant Observation Wheel Welcomes 1.9 Million Visitors In 2008




SINGAPORE, April 8, 2009 – Singapore Flyer has much to celebrate, as the 165-metre-tall Giant Observation Wheel turns ONE! The iconic attraction played host to 1,900,000 visitors between February 11 and December 22 in 2008, and has planned several exciting events and offerings to attract new and returning visitors.

Kicking off the celebrations on April 9, the first 1,000 visitors who walk in and purchase the $29.50 Adult Basic Flight ticket from 6 pm to 9 pm can treat a companion to a flight for only $1 (See Annex)! They may also be able to catch a glimpse of President S R Nathan, who will be at Singapore Flyer to officially launch the President’s Challenge 2009 tomorrow evening.

“Following a successful inaugural year, Singapore Flyer will continue to strive to stay attuned and abreast of what our visitors need and want,” Mr Chng Hee Kok, Singapore Flyer Executive Committee Chairman said, adding that plans are in the pipeline to enhance the amenities and service at Singapore Flyer to make it a leading lifestyle destination to visit in the Republic.

Additional exciting promotions await the visitors of the Singapore Flyer (See Annex). On weekdays excluding Public Holidays, from April 9 to May 29, visitors with a valid student identification card who walk-in can enjoy the 30-minute panoramic flight of Singapore city and beyond for just $10!

“Despite the global downturn, we hope to attract just as many visitors to our flights in 2009 as we did in 2008. To achieve this, we target to roll out creative and attractively-priced offerings t hr oughout 2009 to draw new and repeat visitors,” said Ms Patsy Ong, Managing Director, Adval Brand Group. Adval is the exclusive sales, marketing and ticket distribution agent for Singapore Flyer’s flights.

Officially opened by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last April, 2008 saw Singapore Flyer play host to prolific figures in fields ranging from politics to entertainment and sports: Singapore President S R Nathan and various heads of state, Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza, Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda and Hollywood director Jan de Bont, among others.

With integrated services that enable visitors a unique Land-Sea-Sky experience around and from above Singapore , as well as a prime 200-metre waterfront dining front, Singapore Flyer was the venue of choice for many events and occasions in 2008.

Two independent back-up systems were installed in January 2009, as well as enhancements to the existing primary system and safety protocol to boost overall passenger safety. For t hr ee weekends in February 2009, over 10,000 visitors queued – some for up to 15 hours overnight – at Singapore Flyer, for the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) “2009 Reasons to enjoy Singapore” SMS Passport initiative.

New offerings that will be launched starting from April include: (1) the Singapore Story Audio Guide in Mandarin and Japanese, (2) the Singapore Fengshui Audio Guide in English and Mandarin, (3) the Revamped Wedding Solemnisation Package that now includes a private yacht cruise and a limousine transfer, and (4) Birthday and other special flights, among others.

As part of its birthday festivities, Singapore Flyer will host the launch of President’s Challenge 2009, with President SR Nathan as the Guest-Of-Honour. The President’s Challenge is an annual series of community-based initiatives to inspire the public to give back to our community. A Singapore Flyer-President’s Challenge Charity Heart Box will be placed at the Flyer from April 9 to December 31, 2009 for any visitor who wishes to make a contribution.

Mr Chng said: “We are delighted to cap off our maiden year with this milestone and would like to thank all of our visitors, as well as valued sponsors, corporate , travel and trade partners. Their support in the past year has been vital to establishing Singapore Flyer as an iconic Singapore attraction on the world map. Together, we also hope to make a difference in our community!”


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About Singapore Flyer

Towering at 165 metres, Singapore Flyer is the world’s largest Giant Observation Wheel with a unique 360° day-to-night panorama of Singapore city and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia at every turn of the wheel.

Singapore Flyer has 28 capsules – convertible into a unique moving venue in the sky for all occasions – that can each host up to 28 people. Strategically located at Marina Bay – the hotbed to several exciting new developments – each scenic 30-minute flight on board the Flyer offers a glimpse to the past, present and future of Singapore .

Sitting atop a t hr ee-storey building with an enticing and diverse array of retail shops and restaurants overlooking the Bay, Singapore Flyer’s central atrium opens out to a tropical rainforest, an open-air theatre and a 210-metre-long waterfront dining promenade. Special LED lighting on the giant wheel rim provides a kaleidoscopic visual display at night.