Work Starts on Perth Airport Upgrade as Passengers Reach Nine Million

[Bob C]

The Media Release :

" Sunday 13th July 2008

The very first stages of Perth Airport’s $1 billion redevelopment have commenced with work starting on the aircraft parking apron which will service the new intra-state terminal, Terminal WA. The apron will have an area of 26 hectares – the equivalent of 10 Subiaco Ovals - and be capable of holding up to 36 aircraft for regional and interstate flights.

Perth Airport CEO Brad Geatches said these initial works are a critical first step in the development of the new Perth Airport, which will see the phased consolidation of all major airline operations into new facilities in the area around the existing international terminal.

“We want to build Terminal WA, including the new apron, as quickly as possible to provide much needed additional capacity for domestic air services in Perth”, Mr Geatches said.

The new aircraft apron will cost around $20 million and will be ready for use within 12 months.

The occasion was marked with a ceremonial sod turning by WA Premier Alan Carpenter.

Perth Airport has also commenced discussions with airlines on the future functionality and commercial arrangements which will underpin Terminal WA, which will be developed as a separate project from the apron. As soon as these negotiations are completed Perth Airport will release a Major Development Plan for public comment, as required under Commonwealth law. Final approval rests with Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP.

“Terminal WA will play a vital role in expanding Perth Airport’s capacity over the next few years. It reflects our commitment to regional Western Australia and the importance of fly-in fly-out operations to resources projects in remote parts of the State”, Mr Geatches said.

Other key elements of the new Perth Airport, including domestic and international terminals, airport hotel and multi-storey car park, would continue to be delivered over the next five to seven years.

This commitment to new airport infrastructure comes as Perth Airport handled a record 9 million passengers in the 2007-08 financial year. The total of 9.16 million passengers in 2007-08 represents an increase of 13.3 per cent on the 2006-07 figure of 8.1 million passengers. Domestic passengers were up by 13.4 per cent to 6.65 million, and international passengers were up by 13.0 per cent to 2.51 million.

“Perth Airport’s growth continues to break new ground. Passenger traffic has more than doubled since 2001-02, while airfield movements associated with the resources sector have doubled since 2005. We fully expect that Perth Airport will continue to deliver strong growth for the foreseeable future”, Mr Geatches said.

Perth Airport’s confidence in future growth was given a strong endorsement only two days ago with Jetstar’s announcement of new daily services between Perth and Singapore, commencing this November.

Mr Geatches took the opportunity to acknowledge the role of the Western Australian Government in planning for the new Perth Airport.

“Perth Airport is working closely with the Western Australian Government on a range of vital planning issues, including airport road and public transport links. We are pleased with the level of engagement we have with the State and especially appreciate the Premier’s interest in airport issues.”