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Sydney’s International Terminal will include a revamped duty free offer from Nuance-run SYD tax and duty free |
AUSTRALIA. Construction has commenced on a major A$500 million (US$440 million) upgrade and expansion of the International Terminal at Sydney Airport.
The project involves:
– Adding 7,300 square metres to the departures level to provide world-class passenger facilities including centralised processing, new retail, food & beverage outlets, and passenger waiting areas;
– A new outbound and early baggage handling system; and
– Additional and upgraded aeronautical facilities, including aerobridges and taxiway improvements to accommodate a wider range of aircraft. The arrivals baggage system will also be upgraded to meet the extra peak passengers flows associated with the progressive introduction of the A380 into airline fleets.
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“More variety, improved product range and dining options as well as comfortable places to wait for their flight” are part of the new-look Sydney Airport International Terminal promised by CEO Russell Balding |
Sydney Airport CEO Russell Balding said: “This is an important project for us – but it is also a strategically important project for Sydney and the Australian tourism industry. Sydney Airport is Australia’s national gateway and handles nearly half of the nation’s international passengers.
“It will mean a better travel experience with improved facilities for passengers and centralised processing through immigration. The new-look terminal will leave visitors with a positive impression of Sydney.
“There will be new shops, restaurants and waiting areas. This follows feedback from customers that they want more variety, improved product range and dining options as well as comfortable places to wait for their flight.”
The expansion is needed to manage the increasing number of international passengers. In 2001-02 Sydney Airport handled 8 million international passengers while last financial year there were 10 million – an increase of +25%.
By 2023-24, Sydney Airport is expected to be handling more than 20 million international passengers, double the number today. The Nuance Group is the airport’s lead travel retailer, operating the duty free contract that it retained last year in an open tender.
Construction will be completed in stages to minimise disruption to travellers and work on the departure level will be complete in 2009.
Key elements of the expansion and upgrade include:
– Expansion of the departures level of the International Terminal by 7,300 square metres
– Redevelopment of approximately 30,000 square metres of the existing departures level
– Centralisation of the security screening area and outbound border control (Australian Customs Service and Department of Immigration). This will provide operational efficiencies to better handle increased passenger numbers and large tour groups
– “World class” food & beverage offering and enhanced shopping. “This meets the needs of passengers for these services – especially the 75% of passengers who do not have access to airline lounges,” the airport company said.
– More waiting areas and additional seating for passengers
– An additional 120 metres of moving walkways
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