ANSETT SIGNS UP FOR NEW ADELAIDE AIRPORT TERMINAL

Ansett Australia will formally commit to the new Adelaide international and domestic airport terminal when President & CEO Gary Toomey signs an agreement with Adelaide International Airport Limited in Adelaide next Thursday 2 August.

Ansett has indicated its readiness to sign for over six months and has been waiting for other interested parties to reach agreement on the terms and conditions.

Ansett State Manager Kevin Lyons said: "Ansett is very excited to reach this critical milestone and we are anxious to have a state-of-the-art airport facility that is appropriate for our customers. We hope other parties will follow our lead and formally commit themselves quickly to this facility that Adelaide deserves.

"The development will enable Ansett to improve the full range of products and services it provides its customers. Aerobridges will protect our customers from the elements, including those boarding the Kendell Airlines new CRJ regional jets.

"We will offer valet parking, integrated interstate, regional and international facilities to make transferring easy, new lounges, quicker baggage reclaim and an elevated road for kerbside passenger drop-off.

"When the new terminal is complete, Adelaide will have Australia's most modern airport. This is a vital facility not only for Adelaide but also for aviation in Australia generally.

"The development is good for employment in South Australia, it will improve airline operational efficiency and, importantly, will be a much improved workplace for airline staff."

It is expected that construction of the new terminal will be completed in 2004.

Ansett's formal commitment to this facility follows last week's official opening of the new Ansett Adelaide Customer Contact Centre by Premier John Olsen, signalling Ansett's commitment to significant job growth for the state.