iFly Singapore, a skydiving simulator on Sentosa, celebrated its groundbreaking earlier this week. Scheduled to start operations in the second half of 2010 and representing more than Sin$25 million of investment, iFly Singapore is forecast to attract more than 100,000 visitors in its first year alone. Foreign Minister George Yeo was present at the site's groundbreaking ceremony at Sentosa's Siloso Beach on Monday.

Vertical Wind tunnels, also called 'skydiving simulators' are a proven concept which offers anyone from first-time flyers, aged three years and above, to professional skydiving enthusiasts, the opportunity to experience the thrills and excitement of the adrenaline-pumping sport in a safe, realistic and affordable indoor setting.

Innovative design and world class construction

Designed by award-winning architect firm, Formwerkz, this first-of-its-kind facility boasts iconic architectural features and an unprecedented layout and dynamism guaranteed to please even the toughest of architectural critics. The construction for the facility was offered out to tender and has been awarded to Planar One, who has vast experience in constructing attractions on Sentosa. The construction will be scheduled to commence from early September 2009.

World class facility in a vibrant community

Mr Lawrence Koh, managing director and founder of iFly Singapore was extremely clear about the vision and realities of this innovative new facility. “iFly Singapore is not just an amusement ride. It is a realistic participative flying experience. Our main goal is to fulfil everyone’s dream of flying, just like their favourite Superhero, in a safe and affordable environment. We believe iFly Singapore will not only play a key role in attracting more tourists to the island, but also in promoting Singapore as a premier sporting destination for world-class skydivers and international skydiving events, as well as, promoting a more vibrant and active community within Singapore”.

The skydiving simulator powered by the latest wall-to-wall airflow technology will feature a vertical wind tunnel measuring five metres in diameter and a flying height of 17 metres (or equivalent to a five storey height), allowing up to 20 professional flyers to fly together at one time. The transparent wind tunnel will offer flyers spectacular views of the South China Sea and Sentosa’s Siloso Beach as well as a nightly fireworks extravaganza from ’Songs of the Sea’. Visitors will also be able to enjoy more than 10,000 sq ft of food and beverage space offering a large array of choices, making iFly Singapore an ideal venue for family gatherings, parties and corporate events with an exciting twist.

Recruiting, training and retaining the best staff is essential

The iFly Singapore facility will be looking to recruit more than 100 employees inclusive of flying instructors, operational personnel and F&B and retail staff. A number of professional flyers have already been engaged and are currently undergoing specialised training in the USA and UK. iFly Singapore is investing more than S$1 million in its instructor training to ensure quality of flight instruction. All flyers will be supervised at all times by iFly’s qualified instructors, certified by the International Bodyflight Association.

Corporate Social Responsibility in wind tunnel operations

The future of skydiving in Asia

Lawrence Koh, managing director, iFly Singapore, said: "In Singapore, there is no facility for skydiving, so that's why the build-up of the base is very slow. With this world's largest wind tunnel, definitely they (skydiving enthusiasts) will try the simulator skydiving first and if they like it, they can go overseas for the jump or maybe in the future, Singapore may have a drop zone." This will be welcome news to skydivers from all over Asia, who currently fly to Australia or California to continue with their adventurous pursuit. We'll be watching this with great interest.