)
Announced today, a landmark multi-billion deal has been struck between Perth Airport and Qantas (ASX: QAN) which will allow the former to welcome millions more passengers each year and solidify its place as “the Western Gateway to Australia”.
Under the agreement, Perth Airport will invest more than $5 billion to create new terminal facilities, a new parallel runaway, two multi-storey carparks, major access roadworks and the airport’s first hotel. The investment program is the largest ever private infrastructure development seen in Perth.
Qantas and its subsidiary Jetstar will relocate all services to a new terminal in the Airport Central precinct, and plan to add 4.4 million seats to and from Perth by the time the new terminal opens in 2031.
“Western Australians will now see the largest-ever private investment in an infrastructure development in Perth – a once in a lifetime investment program that will completely change the face of Perth Airport over the next decade,” Perth Airport CEO Jason Waters says.
“Perth Airport’s plans will see more than $5 billion invested in delivering new terminal facilities, a new parallel runway, two multi-storey carparks with associated roadworks, and our first airport hotel.
“This will create thousands of construction and on-going jobs, underpin the future growth of the FIFO-based resources sector, generate new tourism and trade opportunities, and deliver enormous ongoing benefits to Western Australia.”
Upgrades to Terminals 3 and 4 - which currently operate as the hub for Qantas domestic and international flights – will allow the company to add more services and destinations from Perth, including Auckland and Johannesburg from mid-2025. The works will also include gate upgrades to accommodate new ultra-long-haul aircraft part of Project Sunrise.
From September 2024, Jetstar will relocate its domestic services to Terminal 2.
The upgrades are expected to help stop confusion for travellers, as the airport is currently split into Terminal 1 and 2 on the east side of runways, with 3 and 4 located on the west side – an eight kilometre drive between the two. The project to consolidate the airport to a central location has been discussed for many years but ran into obstacles.
Both Perth Airport and Qantas have agreed on the need for a new parallel runway, which is expected to open in 2028. Around $3 billion of the capital investment is dedicated to the new terminal facilities and parallel runway.
Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson says the deal will create an estimated 700 new jobs in WA across pilots, crew, engineering and airport staff.
“Not only will it allow us to bring hundreds of thousands more travellers to and through Western Australia each year, it will also make it easier for overseas tourists to connect to more destinations across Australia,” she says.
“Perth-London and Perth-Rome are two of the most popular flights on our international network, which gives us confidence in our strategy to ramp up WA flying over the next few years as we receive new aircraft and grow our fleet.”
“With the launch of Perth-Paris in July and Jetstar’s new services into Asia starting later this year, we have a pipeline of growth underway that will mean Perth is on track to become our second biggest international gateway behind Sydney.”
WA Premier Roger Cook says the deal will turn Perth Airport into a world-class travel hub for visitors and for Western Australians, and put Perth onto the world stage for travellers.
“This commitment cements our place as the Western Gateway to Australia,” he adds.
“By opening up new flights routes and adding millions of extra passenger seats each year, we’re positioning WA as a major tourist destination in the region.”
Enjoyed this article?
Don't miss out on the knowledge and insights to be gained from our daily news and features.
Subscribe today to unlock unlimited access to in-depth business coverage, expert analysis, and exclusive content across all devices.
Support independent journalism and stay informed with stories that matter to you.
)
)
)
)
)
