Adelaide Airport Ltd has launched a $100 million building program, the first major development in its new five year master plan, reports Chris Milne.
The initial works include a new road network within the airport to improve traffic flow, a multi-storey car park – which will increase short-term parking spaces from about 800 to about 2000 – and a new plaza frontage for the passenger terminal.
The five-level car park is expected to be completed by May next year and will be connected via a ground-floor entry and a walkway bridge to the passenger terminal, where the work will incorporate a plaza forecourt to enhance the South Australian gateway’s attractions for passengers and visitors. Passenger drop-off and pick-up points will be positioned between the new car park and the plaza.
The “front of house” terminal project should be completed by November 2012.
AAL’s public affairs manager, John McArdle, said the proposed second development phase under the master plan would involve an extension of the terminal concourse to enable the provision of three new aerobridges and the relocation of regional carrier Rex, as well as further commercial projects within the airport.
No timetable had been set for the additional works, he said.
Meanwhile, AAL is ramping up its campaign to attract more international airlines to Adelaide.
The airport company has sent its business development officers to China and Thailand already this year, with China Southern and Thai International the prime targets in Asia. There are hopes for more Vietnam Airlines charters, following two successful return services late last year.
The airport continues to court Middle East airlines Emirates, Etihad and Qatar, and also has made approaches to United States operators, trading on its status as a secondary international airport to ease access restrictions.
While the airport seeks new entrants, Malaysia Airlines is preparing to increase its frequencies between Adelaide and Kuala Lumpur to six a week from March. Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific both have daily services through Adelaide Airport.
