Airports, airlines and railways have learned that scenting at scale works only when it is subtle, consistent and engineered into the building or vehicle. The best-known example is Singapore Airlines, whose original scent Stefan Floridian Waters became part of its service from the 1990s, and which introduced a new signature scent, Batik Flora, in 2021. The lessons for any large, busy space are the same: choose a scent almost everyone finds pleasant, keep it low, deliver it through ventilation and keep it identical every time.
Singapore Airlines: scent as a brand asset
Singapore Airlines’ original signature scent, Stefan Floridian Waters, was used in hot towels, crew fragrance and cabins from the 1990s, and became one of the most recognised signature scents in the world. In 2021 the airline introduced Batik Flora as part of a refreshed sensory identity. It shows what consistency over many years can achieve, and how a scent can evolve with a brand. Read how the airline built it.
What transport operators have learned
- Neutral beats distinctive. In spaces people cannot avoid, fresh, light scents are accepted far more widely than bold ones.
- Low beats strong. A crowd, a closed carriage or a long wait magnifies any scent. Levels must be lower than in a shop or lobby.
- Engineering beats gadgets. Large terminals and concourses need scent delivered through the air-handling system, not scattered units.
- Feedback matters. Operators need a way for passengers to react and the ability to change course quickly.
- Approvals take time. Public operators must consider sensitivities, safety and regulation, so pilots are usually short and carefully monitored.
Singapore examples
In late 2024 SBS Transit ran a festive scent trial at six Downtown Line MRT stations, the first of its kind on the network. Read our SBS Transit case study, and for the principles behind scenting stations and public spaces, scent in Singapore’s MRT and public spaces.
Lessons for building owners
Malls above stations, office lobbies and interchanges face the same challenges on a smaller scale. See our corporate real estate scenting and HVAC and ACMV scent diffusion pages.
Frequently asked questions
Which airline is famous for its scent?
Singapore Airlines, first with Stefan Floridian Waters and since 2021 with Batik Flora.
Is public transport in Singapore scented?
Not as standard. SBS Transit trialled scent at six Downtown Line stations in late 2024.
How is scent delivered in large terminals?
Through the air-handling system, so it spreads evenly at a low level.
Further reading: Public transport on Wikipedia.
