AUSTRALIA. Perth Airport today opened a refurbished Departures lounge in the International Terminal 1 (T1). The lounge is part of the A$145 million expansion and refurbishment of T1, which adds a greater range of retail and dining choices (some yet to be completed) along with expanded check-in, outbound immigration and security screening areas.
In addition to a major overhaul of commercial on level one, some A$12.5 million is being invested in a new “˜six-in-one’ food & drinks concept on level two called “˜Haymarket’ comprising a bar, café, juice bar, bakery, deli and pizzeria.
Located in close proximity to Haymarket will be a new children’s playground with family friendly seating.
“The opening of the new departures lounge area and the completion of the remaining works in the coming months marks a major milestone as part of Perth Airport’s commitment to improving the customer journey,” said Perth Airport CEO Brad Geatches. “Our aim is to become an integral part of the community – a vibrant place to shop, dine, relax and travel through – and an airport we can all be proud of.”
Geatches said that there has been consistent international passenger growth in recent years with 4.2 million passengers travelling through T1 in the last financial year, with this number forecast to increase to 5.1 million by 2019.
“The continuing demand for international air services meant we had to expand and improve the International Departures experience to meet current and forecast demand.
“We recognised that significant investment was needed to bring this terminal up to an acceptable standard, and we are well advanced with a diverse programme that sees a total of A$325 million being invested across the terminal,” he said.
The new Departures lounge has the capacity to accommodate passengers departing on two A380 aircraft at the same time, with 538 seats that allow passengers to charge their electrical appliances prior to their flight, and 184 lounge chairs.
“From this new area, passengers will be able to board directly onto the aircraft without navigating stairs and Emirates passengers will be able to access their new airline lounge. This expansion will provide travellers with an enjoyable experience comparable to other gateway airports.”
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(Above and below) These artist’s renderings of the T1 forecourt plaza and commercial outlets illustrate the vision behind the project |
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The new T1 bus area will feature covered waiting areas |
Covered walkways to and from the terminal |
Covered waiting areas in the drop-off, pick-up zone |
The check-in area has a chic new look |
The central forecourt plaza at Perth Airport |