In the News: Criticism stirs airport response

THE management of Perth Airport has committed to releasing its redevelopment plans by the end of the month after Premier Alan Carpenter criticised the private owners for failing to respond to congestion problems. Mr Carpenter criticised Perth Airport for failing to commit to a major upgrade following massive increases in passenger demand in recent years. Perth Airport CEO Brad Geatches said the airport had accelerated planning for major investments in airport redevelopment and would soon release its plans. “We have been working closely with the airlines on the airport redevelopment plans to make sure we get this major investment right, he said. ‘‘The planning has progressed well and we are soon to share our vision for Perth Airport. “In the meantime, we have continued our program to improve facilities.” This included investing in more car parking, better roads, improved terminal facilities and new aircraft movement areas. The value of these investments will exceed $20 million in the current financial year. “We have also been actively planning for the facilities which will serve the aviation needs of Perth and Western Australia for the next 50 years,” Mr Geatches said.