Melbourne T3 Virgin Lounge Expansion

[EuroKick]

Well MEL is currently in the planning stage of 2 new terminals.. It would see a new T4 built which would house Tiger, Jetstar, Rex and Air Australia. Then T3 will be rebuilt housing Virgin. Plans and renders should be released soon.

 

[JennieLynn]

Re: Terminals and Lounge renovations

Meanwhile at LAX they are moving all their departures to Terminal 5 and will be using the Delta facilities there for departures - which will somewhat improve the lounge side of things if nothing else.

Thank goodness! I just flew DTW-LAX-MEL and arriving at LAX Terminal 5 but having to take the shuttle to Terminal 3 to depart for Australia was a PITA. 25 minute wait for shuttle and 15 minute ride.

Luckily no need to go through security again, but having to leave Delta's SkyClub early in order to catch the shuttle and check-in for the rest of the flights (Why is online check-in still not available???) was a bit annoying.

I hope the Delta/VA partnership works out their problems quickly. Delta's system still does not recognize VA's baggage allowance so I was charged $60 for my 2nd checked bag, though Delta did admit this was a mistake in their system and I should be receiving a refund.

At least the LAX SkyClub offers one-day passes at the door for $50 regardless of status. Their shower rooms are greatly appreciated.

 

[EuroKick]

Re: Terminals and Lounge renovations

Melbourne announces new terminal which includes expansion and renovation of the Virgin Terminal.

Southern Precinct project to boost domestic aviation growth
Melbourne Airport’s proposed Southern Precinct project will strengthen Melbourne’s position as the centre
of growth in domestic air travel, and provide a significant boost to the Victorian economy during its
construction and operation.


The project is part of a proposed program of investment by Melbourne Airport over the next five years
budgeted in excess of $1 billion, making Melbourne Airport one of the largest private investors in
infrastructure projects in Victoria.


Melbourne Airport is publishing today its Preliminary Draft Major Development Plan (MDP) for the
Southern Precinct project for public consultation and comment as part of the planning process for on‐
airport developments under the Commonwealth Airports Act 1996.
Stage 1 of the Southern Precinct project is focused on the area south of the existing T3 terminal and
around the T4 terminal, and includes the phased development of:
‐ a new domestic terminal facility designed to cater for up to 20 million passengers per annum and an
ultimate area of 35,000 square metres;


‐ 35 additional aircraft parking aprons and taxi lanes to accommodate future growth;
‐ two new multi‐level structures for ground transport services, with additional car parking spaces, and access to other services such as taxis, shuttle buses and public transport;
‐ upgrading of the airport road network to provide access to the new terminal precinct and to support the future growth of Melbourne Airport over the next 30 to 40 years.

Phase one of the Southern Precinct project has an estimated cost of up to $300 million.
Subject to Board and planning approvals, it is proposed to commence construction in October 2012 and
to have the new terminal facility open for operation by July 2014.
The project is expected to create up to 400 jobs on site at any one time during the 16‐month
construction period.


Melbourne Airport CEO, Chris Woodruff, said the Southern Precinct project represented an exciting
stage in the continuing development of Melbourne Airport, and was driven by strong passenger growth.
“We are in ongoing discussions with prospective users of the new terminal about its configuration and
operation.”
“While domestic aviation has been through a challenging period, this investment is a significant vote of
confidence in the future of Melbourne Airport as Victoria’s gateway,” Mr Woodruff said.


“In addition to the economic and employment benefits created during the construction period, this
project will deliver ongoing benefits to Melbourne and Victoria by facilitating the growth of airlines,
including the basing of additional aircraft in Melbourne and the introduction of new services.


“This creates jobs with the airlines and the businesses that support their operations in areas such as
catering, ground handling and maintenance, in addition to the benefits to the wider economy through
increased visitor numbers to Melbourne and Victoria for business or leisure.”


“It also ensures that Victorians and visitors to our city and State have access to a wide choice of
destinations, services and a competitive market for airfares,” Mr Woodruff said.
The public consultation period is a requirement of the Commonwealth Airports Act 1996 for major
development projects at Commonwealth‐leased airports. The Commonwealth Minister for Infrastructure
and Transport gives final approval for the project.
The views of Local and State Government are also sought as part of this process, along with other stakeholders.


“We are encouraged by the support already expressed from key stakeholders for this important project,
and I invite interested parties to look at our plans and provide comment,” Mr Woodruff said.


The Preliminary Draft MDP will be available for review and comment for 30 business days, closing at
5.00pm on Monday, 7 May 2012.
Copies will be available at Level 2, Terminal 2, Melbourne Airport or from melbourneairport. com.au/southern‐precinct

 

[openseat]

Obviously this has been flagged before, however the story gives some more details on the refurbs; including the expansion to upstairs of the Sydney Lounge and the extension of the pier to fit more A330s.

The only drawback is the following comment about the Sydney Lounge upgrade:

The renovation is expected to necessitate a partial lounge closure until works are completed, with the lounge due for re-opening in the first quarter of next year

​

Virgin ups the flash factor with Sydney, Melbourne terminal revamps

 

[EuroKick]

Melbourne Virgin Lounge

Virgin have submitted their application to expand the Melbourne Lounge considerably to Melbourne Airport. Plans are to double the current lounge and add an additional lounge.

 

[markis10]

If anyone doubted the success of their last status match promotion I think we can now say its been huge, given the lounge expansions happening everywhere, the Australian traveler has certainly benefited from the increased competition.

 

[Jousams]

Virgin have submitted their application to expand the Melbourne Lounge considerably to Melbourne Airport. Plans are to double the current lounge and add an additional lounge.

They need to somehow get some screening lanes in there somehow. Having them before security is annoying.

 

[mella2007]

Will be great when it's completed

 

[nlagalle]

If anyone doubted the success of their last status match promotion I think we can now say its been huge, given the lounge expansions happening everywhere, the Australian traveler has certainly benefited from the increased competition.

I'd give it one more year and see how it goes after August.. That'll be when the status matched WP will hit silver.

Although I am glad they are expanding the MEL lounge. It was a complete zoo on Tuesday.

 

[markis10]

I'd give it one more year and see how it goes after August.. That'll be when the status matched WP will hit silver.

Although I am glad they are expanding the MEL lounge. It was a complete zoo on Tuesday.

I would agree if Anytime access was still in place, but a comparison between lounge business this December versus last December is quite pronounced, it's getting hard to find a seat, which means a lot more people are flying, helped by the capacity increases coupled with new routes. Obviously I am looking at it from the perspective of a BNE based traveller where the ATRs have created a lot of Biz!

 

[KCMil]

It pays to have a quick look at the ASX website each month. There you will see the operating statistics from previous month showing exactly how many travelled, what the load factors were and how it compares to same time last year, as well as all year to date figures. Going by stats for NOV, things have gone up with 2.4% domestic increase and 4.6% INT increase. This is good given that there has also been a 4.5% increase in availability in the same period. JB has recently indicated that corporate trafic is well ahead of the 20% target.

 

[markis10]

It pays to have a quick look at the ASX website each month. There you will see the operating statistics from previous month showing exactly how many travelled, what the load factors were and how it compares to same time last year, as well as all year to date figures. Going by stats for NOV, things have gone up with 2.4% domestic increase and 4.6% INT increase. This is good given that there has also been a 4.5% increase in availability in the same period. JB has recently indicated that corporate trafic is well ahead of the 20% target.

There is no hard data on a monthly basis to indicate what level of business is being done by status pax, hence the reference to anecdotal data via the lounge capacity tracker! The November figures are interesting as thats when I would have expected a decline compared to last year, given the bump DJ got from the Qantas grounding in late October last year, I would have imagined a few folks moved bookings across to get some certainty.