Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti expects the airline’s new terminal at Perth Airport to be ready by the end of November.
The new Virgin terminal was due to open in June 2014. However, delays and building issues have forced Perth Airport to push back Virgin’s move in date on several occasions.
As a result, Virgin has continued to operate from three separate terminals while waiting for its new facility to be completed.
“End of November I’m told that we will be able to move into the new terminal,” Borghetti told reporters during a media tour of the airline’s new business class seats at Sydney Airport on Monday.
“I was there about a month or so ago and I went for a tour of the building site,” he said.
“We are ready when the terminal gets handed over. That will be an outstanding terminal.”
Currently, Virgin’s operates from both sides of the Perth Airport precinct, which has added a layer of complexity for those passengers connecting between fights.
On the international side, Virgin’s international flights depart and arrive at Terminal 1, while services operated by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines are at Terminal 2. On the domestic side, Virgin’s mainline services are located at Terminal 3.
The new terminal, called the Virgin Australia pier, is located on the international side at Terminal 1 and is expected to feature new checkin and bag drop technology as well as new Virgin lounges.
Borghetti said in September 2014 the delays were costing Virgin tens of millions of dollars.
