http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Sv0IIVqZ58&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sydney Airport has proposed a major overhaul that would organise its terminals by airline rather than destination.
The plan, as detailed in the video above, would see the current domestic terminals – T2 and T3 – allocated to Qantas, its subsidiary Jetstar and its international partners. The international terminal – T1 – would go to Virgin Australia, its partners, and other international carriers.
Airport officials say the proposed set up would help cut connection times and streamline operations.
Qantas and Virgin both welcomed the plan, which will be considered alongside the airport’s 2014 master-plan process and could be in place by 2019.
“The proposed new terminal precinct would have significant benefits for all passengers travelling with both Qantas and Jetstar,” Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said. “As passenger numbers grow over the next decade, it is vital that airlines and airports work closely together to deliver a seamless travel experience.”
Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti said the proposal had “potential,” while Jetstar CEO Bruce Buchanan said the proposal was a step forward.
“The potential to have our domestic and international services under one roof would make it much easier for people transiting to connecting flights, which strengthens Sydney’s role as a major gateway and creates better scheduling options,” Buchanan said.
The airport said it remained committed to supporting other domestic and regional carriers such as Tiger, Regional Express, AeroPelican and Brindabella but had not determined which terminal precinct they would join.
In addition to the reorganisation, the plan would also see the construction of a new Qantas Engineering complex for aircraft line maintenance, and a new Virgin Australia hangar for wide and narrow body aircraft that will serve as a dedicated maintenance base.
In a statement, the airport said it would begin broader consultations with stakeholders such as airlines, airport related businesses, border control agencies, regulators and the public before proceeding.
