COURTING couples will get a chance to take their love to new
heights on Valentine's Day next year - but they had better hurry
and book a place.
The operators of the 42-storey- high observation wheel said
yesterday that it will operate its first
public rides on Feb 14 next year.
However, 100,000 tickets have already been booked. The wheel can take about 27,000 people a day, with a
basic 37-minute ride costing $29.50 an adult.
Each of the wheel's 28 capsules, which
can take up to 30 people, can be booked for $1,000.
Ms Patsy Ong, managing director of Adval Brand Group, the
attraction's main ticketing and sales agent, said she expects more
than 500,000 visitors within the first three months.
She added that the greatest interest so far is from corporations
and tour agents. However, she said that 20 per cent of the tickets
will be set aside for walk-in visitors daily.
Singapore Flyer managing director Peter Purcell said yesterday:
'Interest in it has been much more than we ever imagined.'
He was speaking at a press conference to announce the appointment
of Mr David Beever as the general manager.
Between now and the opening, Mr Beever is looking to to beef up
staff strength from the current four to 150.
Mr Purcell yesterday also showed off the capsules which, at the
size of a single-deck bus, are 20 per cent bigger than those of the
London Eye.
Safety features include a device to prevent the doors from opening
during the flight and closed circuit cameras in each cabin.
Mr Purcell said that test rides should begin by November.
