AUSTRALIA. Melbourne Airport generated A$248 million (US$257 million) in retail and parking revenues in the year ended 30 June 2012, a +4% increase on the 2011 financial year.
The growth in commercial revenues (including food & beverage) was achieved despite overall passenger numbers for the year remaining flat at 28.2 million.
International passenger numbers increased +8% for the year, led by increased outbound Australian and inbound Asian travel, while domestic passenger numbers fell by -2% to 21.5 million.
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Melbourne Airport remains committed to increasing capacity to around 60 million passengers per annum, and will begin work on its new Southern Precinct domestic terminal early in 2013, with completion planned by the end of 2014.
The new terminal will offer significant new concession space.
The airport is also undertaking a refurbishment of its T3 Terminal in conjunction with Virgin Australia.
The details were presented as part of a glittering Annual Stakeholder Update event held on Monday at Melbourne’s Forum Theatre.
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Guests arrive at the Forum Theatre for Melbourne Airport’s Annual Stakeholder Update and Cocktail Reception |
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Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff set the scene for a continuation of major capital expenditure over the next five years |
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Revenues in FY2012 increased despite volatility in the domestic aviation market |
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Melbourne Airport Manager Retail Strategy Deborah Price, with Australian Produce Store’s Peter Hardaker and LS Travel Retail Pacific Operations Director – Pacific Paul Ryan |
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The Nuance Group Australia CEO Derek Larsen with Melbourne Airport General Manager Retail and Car Parks Gilly Gray |
Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC) Chairman David Crawford welcomed stakeholders to the event with a pledge of an additional A$1 billion investment in Melbourne Airport infrastructure over the next five years.
Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff told the audience that investment in the International Terminal redevelopment project and increased international capacity was paying off in commercial revenues.
Melbourne Airport completed the International Terminal project at the end of 2011.
“We are still leading international passenger growth compared to Sydney or Brisbane airports,” Woodruff said.
Underpinning the importance of the Chinese market, Melbourne Airport has cemented a sister airport relationship with Chengdu Shuangli International Airport.
But both Crawford and Woodruff criticised government measures to slash the inbound cigarette and tobacco allowance, increase departure fees for passengers, and charge airports for police services.
As reported, from 1 September travellers coming into Australia will be permitted 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of tobacco duty free – only 20% of the previous allowances.
Woodruff described the measures as “bad decisions that will increase the cost of air travel.”
