Overwhelming response to Changi Airport's call to join plane-spotting group

Members can get exclusive opportunities to photograph aircraft, subject to safety rules

- Esther Loi

Changi Airport Group’s open call for aviation photography enthusiasts to join its new plane-spotting community, Sky Watchers, has met with overwhelming response.

A few days after it announced the call on its Instagram and Facebook pages on July 6 for people to express their interest in joining the community, the platform for submissions was closed.

As at July 11, the online form for photographers to indicate their interest in Sky Watchers was closed “due to overwhelming response”, according to a notice on the form’s landing page.

The form requires those who are interested to submit their personal details and reasons for wanting to join the community.

In announcing the call, airport operator Changi Airport Group (CAG) said members of Sky Watchers can gain access to exclusive opportunities to photograph aircraft at the airport, subject to approval and safety regulations.

Changi Airport is protected under the Infrastructure Protection Act, which prohibits unauthorised photography of sensitive areas within and around the airport. People who wish to carry out photography and filming at the airport need to apply for a permit from CAG.

When asked by The Straits Times, CAG did not provide any details about the level of access that members of Sky Watchers will be granted and the reasons behind the creation of the community.

It said only that it is keen to engage with Changi Airport’s fans – including aviation enthusiasts – and hence is developing a programme for them.

By joining the community, fans can also stay informed about upcoming photography events and connect with other enthusiasts, CAG added.