Business Times – 16 May 2008
EXTREME sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers will soon be able to experience the adrenaline-pumping sport of skydiving at an affordable price, when the world’s largest vertical wind tunnel opens in Sentosa during the second quarter of 2009.
The skydiving simulator, iFly Singapore, is slated to open to members of the public aged three years and above and will cost $40 for a half-hour experience in the wind tunnel.
Built by Singapore franchise SkyVenture Singapore, iFly Singapore will cost at least $16 million and measures five metres in diameter with a flying height of 17 metres.
Flyers can expect to see the view of the South China Sea and Sentosa’s Siloso Beach while in the transparent wind tunnel.
Managing director of iFly Singapore Lawrence Koh said: ‘As the public has no access to a parachute drop zone in Singapore, iFly Singapore will offer anyone from amateurs to professionals the chance to skydive in a safe, realistic and affordable indoor setting.
‘The simulator will play a key role in promoting this unique sport in Asia while attracting world-class skydivers and international skydiving events to Singapore.’
New state-of-the-art technology such as electronic coding wrist bands to recognise flyers’ profiles and real-time video and photo uploads will be incorporated into iFly Singapore.
Latest innovations in safety such as electronic sensors and biometric security locks will also be used to ensure the safety of the flyers.
Sentosa’s latest attraction is expected to draw more crowds to the island and diversify the activities available to its visitors.
‘Interactive, high energy, thrilling are buzzwords among many people of different ages now. iFly Singapore will certainly score well in Sentosa’s vibrant, sporty zone on Siloso and add a new pulse to the adventure scene on the island,’ commented Goh Lye Whatt, director of property, planning and development in Sentosa.