Brisbane Airport in Australia has opened its newly expanded northern international terminal and apron designed to accommodate its growing number of passengers.
Carried out over two years, the $135m expansion is part of the airport’s $3.8bn infrastructure programme aimed to accommodate future growth.
It led to enhanced space for aircraft docking and parking and is said to have improved passenger experience and processing efficiency.
Brisbane Airport operator BAC CEO and managing director Julieanne Alroe said: “Last year we had a record 7% increase in international passengers and, with numbers expected to rise, our focus is on how Brisbane Airport can continue to play a significant role in meeting forecast demand and stimulating even more.”
The upgrade added 11,000m² to the terminal that now comprises new arriving and departing areas, four new aerobridges and two new walk-out gates.
Another 55,000m² of new aircraft taxiways, pavement and three aircraft parking bays were included in the expansion.
The new parking bays will be capable of accommodating A380, B747, A330, A340 and A787 aircraft.
Alroe added: “When our new runway opens in 2020, Brisbane Airport will be in the unique position of having more capacity than any other capital city airport in Australia and the most efficient runway system in the country, as well as being the most domestically connected airport for travellers.
“This makes Brisbane an incredibly attractive option for new international carriers looking to commence services to Australia, for departing passengers wanting direct access to the world, arriving international visitors, and for existing airlines carriers wanting to increase the frequency of services to accommodate demand.”
The airport recently constructed a new inter-terminal transfer facility in order to facilitate efficient transfer between the terminals through increased processing capabilities and signage.
