ANSETT SIGNS AGREEMENT TO PROGRESS NEW ADELAIDE AIRPORT

Ansett Australia formalised its long-standing public commitment to the new Adelaide international and domestic airport terminal when President & CEO Gary Toomey signed an agreement today with Adelaide Airport Ltd.

South Australia's Premier, The Honorable John Olsen MP, witnessed the landmark agreement as a signatory to an Agreement to Proceed signed by both Ansett and Adelaide Airport.

Premier Olsen congratulated Ansett for its commitment to South Australia, "This signing represents a milestone in negotiations that have taken place over many years.

"This $220 million project will generate jobs during construction and provide South Australia with a modern airport of which we can all be proud."

Mr Toomey said, "This is a great day for the people of South Australia who are now one step closer to a receiving a new, modern airport facility.

"It has been a long time coming and now we hope that all other parties to this agreement can set aside their commercial differences and move towards a brighter future for aviation in South Australia with a modern, state-of-the-art airport.

"Signing this new airport agreement caps a great year for Ansett in South Australia with increased regional services, the announcement of increased international capacity by Singapore Airlines and the opening of new call centre employing around 400 South Australians.

"This new airport development complements the significant investment Ansett has made in South Australia over many decades of service.

"In South Australia and in any market we serve, we strive to provide absolutely excellent customer service and we will now have the airport facilities here in Adelaide to be able to offer our customers an even better travel experience."

Construction of the new terminal in expected to begin by the end of 2001 and be completed in late 2003.

The new terminal will be constructed on predominantly vacant land between the existing domestic and international terminals. Construction is not expected to cause disruption to existing airport operations.