Terminals and Lounge renovations

[777]

Was just thinking to myself about the scale of the terminal overhauls that VA are involved in near future ...

All going to plan (I suspect *some* of this may not see the light of day) in rough chronological order:


Gold Coast (new lounge)
Sydney (major lounge overhaul)
Adelaide + Perth (minor lounge overhauls)
Darwin (new lounge)
Canberra (new terminal + lounge)
Perth (new terminal + lounge)
Melbourne (major terminal renovation)
Sydney (relocation to the current international terminal)

It's also worth noting their two major long haul international destinations are getting new terminals/ lounges as well. AUH has a whole new airport complex under construction which looks amazing and will solve the lounge problem when it opens next year. 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.

Have i missed anything that has been announced?

Makes you realise scale of the transformation yet to come!

 

[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]

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]

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

 

[dandandan]

Air Australia will take up heaps of space in the new T4!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Air Australia will take up heaps of space in the new T4!

:shock: :shock: :shock:

 

[VOZZY]

it appears the upstairs level of the Sydney lounge may already be underway. The small sections of it visible from the lounge are being torn apart.

 

[LiamR]

Don't forget Brisbane's Terminal also had an upgrade/renovation last year.

 

[dandandan]

I trust you got the sarcasm.

 

[samh004]

I trust you got the sarcasm.

Indeed

Full link: Southern Precinct Program : Melbourne Airport

 

[Major]

Don't forget the new Mackay lounge

 

[Simo]

Don't forget Brisbane's Terminal also had an upgrade/renovation last year.

Aren't they also putting a CL type lounge in BNE,SYD and MEL

 

[Fruitcake]

Don't forget the new Mackay lounge

Hopefully it doesn't need refurbishing already? It only opened in December!

Aren't they also putting a CL type lounge in BNE,SYD and MEL

Possibly, but the only time it's been mentioned was in an article in the Australian based entirely on a leak which was, of course, met with no comment. I've never seen anything official on it in press releases or investor presentations.

 

[LiamR]

Aren't they also putting a CL type lounge in BNE,SYD and MEL

I'm not sure, I'll let you know where they are when I get my invite.

 

[mavrick9]

... Hobart lounge in 2013.

Source: ausbt.com.au

 

[markis10]

... Hobart lounge in 2013.

Source: ausbt.com.au

The source was actually JB, who incidentally provided a few more details today:

Virgin Australia will run an additional daily service between Hobart and Melbourne from September.

The airline's chief has told a tourism industry conference in Hobart it also plans to open a 75-seat passenger lounge at Hobart airport next year and introduce a priority boarding service.

John Borghetti says more flights between Tasmania and the mainland are likely to be announced in the future.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-22/extra-virgin-flight/3906646?section=tas