Perth Airport Opens New Departures Lounge

Perth Airport has opened a new Departures lounge area in the current International Terminal 1 (T1).

This lounge is part of the A$145 million expansion and refurbishment of the T1 International Departures area which now also offers passengers a far greater range of retail and dining choices along with expanded and improved check-in, outbound Immigration and security screening areas.

The airport has seen consistent international passenger growth in recent years, with 4.2 million passengers travelling through T1 last financial year. This number is forecast to increase to 5.1 million by 2019.

“The continuing demand for international air services meant we had to expand and improve the International Departures experience to meet current and forecast demand,” said Brad Geatches, Chief Executive Officer, Perth Airport. “We recognised that significant investment was needed to bring this terminal up to an acceptable standard, and we are well advanced with a diverse program that sees a total of $325 million being invested across the terminal.”

The new Departures lounge has the capacity to accommodate passengers departing on two A380 aircraft at the same time, with 538 seats that allow passengers to charge their electrical appliances prior to their flight, and 184 comfortable lounge chairs.

“From this new area, passengers will be able to board directly onto the aircraft without navigating stairs and Emirates passengers will be able to access their new airline lounge,” said Mr Geatches. “This expansion will provide travellers with an enjoyable experience comparable to other gateway airports.”

In addition to the new lounge, the International Departures expansion also includes:

- 16 extra check-in counters;

- a second A380 compatible gate with direct boarding to the aircraft;

- an expanded outbound Immigration area with more counters and a designated area for future technology, such as outbound SmartGates; and

- a security screening area more than twice the size of the previous space with a special lane for families and people requiring assistance.

The transformation of the International Departures experience includes the remodelling and refurbishing of level one to create a central retail and dining area prior to security screening. This will be completed before the summer holidays, giving visitors to Perth Airport greater choice in dining and retail.

A further A$12.5 million is being invested in a new ‘six-in-one’ food and beverage concept on level two called ‘Haymarket’ comprising a bar, café, juice bar, bakery, deli and pizzeria. Haymarket will offer customers a unique dining experience.

Located in close proximity to Haymarket will be a new children’s playground with family friendly seating.

“The opening of the new departures lounge area and the completion of the remaining works in the coming months marks a major milestone as part of Perth Airport’s commitment to improving the customer journey. Our aim is to become an integral part of the community – a vibrant place to shop, dine, relax and travel through - and an airport we can all be proud of,” Mr Geatches said.