ADELAIDE AIRPORT EXPANSION TAKES OFF

The expansion comes as part of a $1 billion masterplan for Adelaide Airport that began in 2015 and forms a portion of an even larger 30-year-plan. The plan includes the construction of a hotel with 250 rooms and a new office precinct that will facilitate the three percent increase in aircraft action throughout Adelaide across the next 20 years. The longterm masterplan includes projects to triple the amount of domestic and international terminal aerobridges by 2044 and accommodate new-generation aircraft, including the A380 and Dreamliner.

“The approval of our masterplan allows us to plan and commit to appropriate levels of infrastructure to stay ahead of our growth and maintain our reputation as one of Australia’s most modern airports,” explained Mark Young, managing director of Adelaide Airport.

The expansion aims to significantly improve the experience for international passengers. To be constructed by Watpac, the new international terminal will offer VIP facilities, a premium lounge, office spaces for terminal tenants, refurbishment for the terminal and an 80 percent expansion to the retail and dining areas in the terminal. A new and longer baggage belt will be installed, additional spaces for emigration and immigration processing and customs will be added, an expanded security screening area will be installed, and there will be a larger duty-free complex.

Mr Young stated that the passenger number had increased by more than half in the 13 years of the terminal’s life. “Our international passenger numbers alone have almost tripled over the same period. This extraordinary growth means we need to keep growing our existing facilities. While we still have sufficient gate capacity to meet future forecast growth in the number of flights, we’re reaching capacity within the terminal.

“Terminal expansion is something that is required,” Young continued. “We’ll do eight million passengers this year and the original terminal design was for something a little bit less than that. We are down to final detailed designs for the terminal expansion and will be commencing stakeholder negotiations very shortly.”

A new service to the west coast of America is also in development, in addition to an increased number of direct flights to China, allowing Adelaide to expand its international horizons.

The number of passengers for annual international flights are expected to increase to 2.81 million by 2034, and annual passengers for domestic flights are expected to increase to 14.1 million by 2034, calling in the need for an airport upgrade.

“We believe Adelaide Airport has the best airport terminal in Australia, and this expansion will allow us to continue to offer the high level of customer service that our travellers expect,” explained Rob Chapman, chairman of the Adelaide Airport.

The expansion will be a welcome addition to the airport and will help to boost the tourism industry, according to South Australia’s minister of tourism, David Ridgway. “This redevelopment will enhance South Australia’s ability to attract more international airlines and accommodate an increase in the frequency of air services in the future – all of which will help grow our economy and support more jobs.”

The project will see 200 people onsite during peak construction times and will offer 630 direct and indirect jobs, thanks to the retail and restaurant expansions.

Construction of the project has already begun and is set to be completed in 2021.