Sydney starts its US$422 million super plane airport expansion

CONSTRUCTION has commenced on a A$500 million (HK$442 million) upgrade and expansion of Australia's International Terminal at Sydney Airport to accommodate the super planes of tomorrow.

The expansion is needed to manage the increasing number of international passengers. In 2001-02 there were 8 million international and in the last five years the number of international passengers has increased by 25 per cent. By 2023-24, Sydney Airport is expected to be handling more than 20 million international passengers, double today's number.

Construction will be completed in stages to minimise disruption to travellers and work on the departure level will be complete in 2009.

Sydney Airport Corporation said in a statement that the investment will ensure that the facility will retain its position as one of the top airports in the world.

The project involves adding 7,300 square metres to the departures area, including centralising processing, retail, food and beverage outlets and passenger waiting areas. There will also be a new outbound and early baggage handling system as well as additional and upgraded aeronautical facilities, including aerobridges and taxiway improvements to accommodate a wider range of aircraft.

The arrivals baggage system will also be upgraded to meet the extra peak passengers flows associated with the progressive introduction of the A380 into airline fleets.

"This is an important project for us but it is also a strategically important project for Sydney and the Australian tourism industry," said Sydney Airport CEO Russell Balding. "Sydney Airport is Australia's national gateway and handles nearly half of the nation's international passengers.

"It will mean a better travel experience with improved facilities for passengers and centralised processing through immigration," he said. "There will be new shops, restaurants and waiting areas."

There has been extensive consultation with airlines and relevant government agencies including the Australian Customs Service, the airport corporation said. The design has evolved to incorporate feedback and the international airlines have committed their support for the project.