Perth Virgin terminal to set new standards

Virgin Australia’s new domestic terminal at Perth Airport will become a model for future check-in facilities, with the airline planning to roll out its world-leading technology in place in Perth across its Australian network.

The new terminal, which was designed by international architecture firm Woods Bagot, was unveiled today, ahead of a November 22 opening.

Along with high-tech check-in facilities, it also includes a 1,711 square metre Virgin Australia lounge, departures and arrivals areas and a food and beverage hub including Hungry Jack’s, Toby’s Estate, Noodles Authentic Asian Cuisine, Salsa’s Fresh Mex, Long Neck bar and restaurant and Hudsons Coffee.

It totals 12 departure gates, including three dedicated to wide-body aircraft, and also includes an air-conditioned airside link between Terminals 1 and 2.

Virgin's check-in facilities use world-class technology.

Perth Airport chief executive Brad Geatches said the terminal was the most significant element of the airport’s $1 billion redevelopment program.

Virgin’s check-in facilities include hybrid desks that can be switched from self-service bag drop to full service counters, 28 self-service desks, seven service pods for travellers needing assistance with boarding passes and baggage tags, as well as traditional service desks.

Virgin Australia group chief executive John Borghetti said the terminal was the airline’s flagship check-in experience and would allow travellers to quickly go from check-in to bag drop to their departure gates.

“The new technology improves efficiency and speed, and importantly frees up our people to perform a concierge-style role and support our guests as they move through the new terminal,” he said.

“The hybrid technology has been developed to an industry standard which will allow Virgin Australia to roll it out across the rest of our network.”

Premier Colin Barnett said the new terminal was an exciting milestone in the transformation of the precinct.

The state government has spent $1 billion upgrading the roads around Perth Airport, a project it has declared complete, although works are still ongoing at the interchange between the Roe and Tonkin highways.

“Tourism is an $8.7 billion industry for Western Australia and in 2014-15 Perth Airport’s total passenger numbers, including international and domestic, reached almost 14 million,” Mr Barnett said.

“We want visitors’ first impressions to be positive and lead to return visitation and endorsement, so a combination of better access to airport facilities and the delivery of services people want and need is key.

“There is no doubt this additional infrastructure will be needed for business and leisure travel now and into the future as the state’s tourism value and business attraction grows.”