Private Aviation in Singapore: Seletar vs Changi for Charter Flights

Overview

Singapore punches well above its weight in private aviation. Despite being a city-state of just 733 square kilometers, it is the undisputed business aviation hub of Southeast Asia. The country's strategic location — equidistant from the major economies of China, India, Australia, and the Middle East — makes it a natural convergence point for international charter traffic. Singapore handles more business jet movements than any other city in the ASEAN region.

Private jet passengers arriving in Singapore have two airport options: Seletar Airport (WSSL), the dedicated general aviation field in the northeast, and Changi Airport (WSSS), the world-renowned international hub on the eastern coast. Each offers a different balance of convenience, capacity, and passenger experience.

Seletar Airport (WSSL)

Seletar is Singapore's original airport, predating Changi by decades. Today it has been redeveloped as the Seletar Aerospace Park, a dedicated hub for business aviation, MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul), and aerospace manufacturing. The single Runway 03/21 measures 1,836 meters (6,024 feet), which comfortably handles light jets, midsize jets, and most super-midsize aircraft. However, large-cabin jets like the Gulfstream G650 and ultra-long-range aircraft like the Global 7500 may face payload restrictions or be unable to operate from Seletar due to runway length.

Seletar's FBO operators include Jetex (which operates the main business aviation terminal), ExecuJet, and Universal Aviation. The terminal is modern, efficient, and designed for the private aviation workflow: passengers walk from their car to the aircraft in minutes, with customs and immigration handled in a dedicated processing area. There is no mixing with commercial passengers.

Pros: Dedicated business aviation airport — no commercial airline congestion. Fast, efficient ground process. Modern FBO facilities. Lower airport charges than Changi. Proximity to the Seletar Aerospace Park ecosystem (maintenance, hangaring). Less than 25 minutes from the Central Business District.

Cons: Runway length limits large-cabin and ultra-long-range aircraft. Located in the northeast, further from Sentosa, Marina Bay Sands, and the southern hotel district. Fewer international handling connections compared to Changi. Some operators and flight crews less familiar with Seletar procedures.

Changi Airport — Jet Quay CIP Terminal (WSSS)

Changi Airport consistently ranks among the world's best airports, and its private aviation offering matches that standard. The Jet Quay CIP Terminal is a dedicated premium facility for private jet and first-class commercial passengers. Located on the south side of the airfield, Jet Quay provides a boutique arrival and departure experience within the infrastructure of a major international hub.

Changi's four runways (two pairs) range from 2,750 to 4,000 meters, meaning there are zero aircraft size restrictions. A Boeing Business Jet, an Airbus ACJ320neo, or a Global 7500 fully fueled for a 14-hour flight — Changi handles them all. The Jet Quay terminal features private suites, a dedicated immigration counter, concierge services, and direct airside vehicle transfers.

Pros: No aircraft size restrictions — all runways exceed 2,750 meters. World-class Jet Quay CIP Terminal. Changi's global reputation means seamless handling by every operator worldwide. Closer to Marina Bay, Sentosa, and the southern business districts. 24-hour operations. Full international customs and immigration infrastructure.

Cons: Higher airport charges than Seletar. Commercial traffic volume can cause taxi delays, particularly during evening peak hours when long-haul departures stack up. The private aviation experience, while excellent, shares the airfield with one of Asia's busiest commercial operations. Slot coordination required during congested periods.

Which Airport Should You Choose?

For light and midsize jets on regional routes — Singapore to Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, or Hong Kong — Seletar provides a faster, more intimate experience with lower costs. It is the preferred field for frequent charter users who value efficiency over infrastructure scale.

For long-range international flights, large-cabin aircraft, or passengers whose ground destination is in the Marina Bay or Sentosa area, Changi is the better option. Its runway capacity handles any aircraft without restriction, and the Jet Quay terminal delivers a premium experience that rivals the best private terminals in the world.

One practical note: aircraft availability often drives the decision. If your charter operator bases their fleet at Seletar, departing from Changi would require a costly repositioning flight across the island. VOLO's team checks operator base locations as part of every quote to avoid unnecessary positioning fees.

Booking Through VOLO

VOLO is headquartered in Singapore and has deep operational knowledge of both Seletar and Changi. We coordinate with Jet Quay, Jetex, ExecuJet, and local handling agents to ensure your arrival or departure runs smoothly. Our platform factors in aircraft type, ground destination, and operator basing when recommending the optimal airport. Get started with a free quote — Singapore airport selection is always part of our planning process.