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Passengers are flying through Perth Airport faster – New international arrivals area open now!

Direct News Source

29-Nov-2013 Last week, Perth Airport opened the first phase of the exciting new international arrivals area. Feedback from passengers and staff using the new facilities has been overwhelmingly positive, and signals another milestone being reached in Perth Airport's $750 million redevelopment.

"We've completely changed how people arrive into Perth Airport off an international flight," said Brad Geatches, Chief Executive Officer, Perth Airport.

"The Terminal 1 building has been extended by 60 metres to the east, effectively doubling the size of the existing arrivals area," he said.

The opening of this expanded area was critical to supporting the continued strong growth in international passenger numbers, which increased by nearly 8.2 per cent to approximately 3.8 million in the last financial year.

The new Immigration arrivals area has been relocated to level 1 into an expansive area which is more than double the size of the area formerly located on the ground floor.

"Previously, our facilities were not providing the kind of welcome we wanted to give passengers when they arrived at Perth Airport.

"It was essential that we got the design of this area right to ensure an efficient and enjoyable customer experience. We also wanted to embrace technology, and support the increased use of SmartGate by Australian citizens and those from other nations with e-Passport facilities," he said.

Travellers arriving at Perth Airport are automatically able to use SmartGate if they are an Australian, New Zealand or United Kingdom citizen aged 16 years or older and who hold an e-Passport.

When passengers disembark their aircraft on level 1, they now walk through a large, modern JR/Duty Free store offers more choice and more brands than ever offered at Perth before.

"The JR/Duty Free store is world-class and very different to what was on offer before," said Mr Geatches.

With the Immigration arrivals area now on level 1, the remodelling and expansion of the ground floor is well underway.

"The first of three double-loop baggage reclaim belts is in operation and we are now focusing on expanding the Quarantine area, which will also double in size," explained Mr Geatches.

This first phase of Perth Airport's international arrivals expansion also includes the completion of new offices on level 1 for Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Immigration, and, on the ground floor, new toilets, car rental booths and a quiet/prayer room accessible from the forecourt and arrivals hall.

"By the time this $80 million project is complete in late 2014, and we have finished the $145 million expansion and upgrade of the international departures experience, we will have doubled the entire the floor space in Terminal 1 and transformed the experience for all passengers."