Construction of New Terminal @ Perth Airport to Commence this Month

Westralia Airports Corporation (WAC), the owner and operator of Perth Airport, has confirmed that Broad Construction Services (WA)Pty Ltd is the successful contractor to build the new domestic terminal.

Broad Construction Services (WA) will build the new $120 million terminal located adjacent to the International Terminal, which has been designed to meet the needs of air services for regional Western Australia, particularly the resource sector, as well as some interstate services. The new terminal will cater for up to 36 aircraft, and significantly improve the customer experience for regional travellers.

The new terminal will feature:

• access via a ‘walk-in’ landscaped plaza,

• a check-in hall with 16 check-in counters and space for new check-in technology, including self service and bag drop,

• a large central passenger security screening zone accessing a spacious Departure Lounge,

• access to 14 aircraft gates via high quality covered walkways, providing full protection from the elements,

• three large baggage reclaim belts, and

• easy access to parking, taxis and buses for arriving and departing passengers.

With Perth Airport again being recognised as the fastest growing Australian capital city airport with a 9.4 per cent growth rate during FY10/11, commencement of these works is timely.

Construction of this terminal will provide improved facilities and services to cater for many of the 11.5 million passengers that travelled through Perth Airport during the year, which saw domestic growth increasing by 9.6% and international by 9.1%.

This strong growth came despite many markets being affected by their economic circumstances, extreme weather conditions and natural disasters.

Perth Airport Chief Executive Officer Brad Geatches said the continuing strength of the Western Australian economy, combined with the Airport’s position as the gateway to the State, contributed to these results.

Construction of the new terminal for WA is the first in a raft of major projects to transform Perth Airport in the coming years.

“In addition to the new domestic terminal, there will be a major expansion of the International Terminal with a new arrivals area and domestic pier, improved transport links, expanded car parking and increased capacity for more aircraft,” said Mr. Geatches. “Over the next three years, we are investing $700 million to expand Perth Airport and represents the first stage towards achieving our vision to have all commercial air services operating from one location ... We are excited to be commencing construction of the new terminal and look forward to working with Broad Construction Services to begin the transformation of our airport.”

Skywest, Alliance Airlines, Strategic and Tiger Airways will relocate to the new terminal in early 2013. This will significantly reduce activity in the domestic precinct, further improving the experience for Qantas and Virgin customers and facilitating continued growth for these airlines.

Construction of the new domestic terminal is due to be completed in December 2012. 

The new terminal was designed by leading architects and interior design practice, Hassell, with environmental sustainability at the forefront of design. Environmental features in the new terminal will include:

• rainwater harvesting and re-use for toilets and gardens, with 2000 cubic metres of underground storage capacity,
• underground ducting of ventilation for air-conditioning to reduce energy use,
• a sophisticated building management system to reduce energy consumption during operations, and
• construction of a co-generation plant that will use gas to generate electricity and its heat to power the air-conditioning for both terminals, which is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% due to energy savings and use of gas.

Clarke Energy, a leading global supplier of co and tri-generation systems has been chosen to design, supply, install and commission the 4MW co-generation plant for Perth Airport. Clarke Energy’s Australian operation, which has installed over 380MW of gas to energy systems, will be supplying two 2MWe high efficiency gas engines, two absorption chillers and associated HV switchgear for the Airport’s expansion. This system will be configured for 24/7 operation and will provide reliable back up power during grid network outages.

Construction of the International Terminal expansion will commence in late 2011.

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