AIRPORT operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) has awarded a S$323 million contract to Takenaka Corporation for expansion works at Terminal 1 (T1).

The Japan-based company has been involved in other Changi Airport projects such as construction of the upcoming Terminal 4, and the upgrading of T1 and Terminal 2 in the past.

The contract was awarded via a competitive tender process, CAG said.

The works will include the revamp of the T1 departure check-in hall, including the installation of two new check-in rows to boost passenger handling capacity, as well as upgrading the T1 baggage handling system from a semi-automated to fully automated system.

Fong Kok Wai, CAG's executive vice-president (engineering and development), said: "We will work closely with Takenaka to manage the phasing of the works at T1, to minimise impact to the passenger experience, as well as to ensure seamless integration with the on-going development of Jewel Changi Airport."

The works undertaken by Takenaka at T1 will begin this month, and are expected to be completed in 2019.