Melbourne Airport in Australia opened its new domestic terminal yesterday (August 18) with the departure of its first flight for Sydney by low-cost carrier Tigerair Australia.
Melbourne Airport’s new Terminal 4 (T4) is the first terminal in the Asia Pacific region to open as a completely self-service check-in operation, with 10 self-service check-in kiosks and automated bag drops operating on the ground level.
Several retailers have been opened in the level 1 departure lounge although more than 30 retail and food and beverage concessions will open over the coming months. The new T4 departure lounge contains 1,200 seats and its floor to ceiling windows provide passengers with sweeping views of the airfield.
Lorie Argus, executive – operations, Melbourne Airport, said, “Today is an important milestone in the two-year construction phase of T4. We are really proud to welcome Tigerair and its passengers to our new terminal.
“Today is the first step in an exciting program of works that will continue in and around the new T4 over the next few months. This includes the opening of more shops, completion of more aircraft parking bays, and a transport hub that incorporates car parking, passenger drop-off and pick-up zones, a taxi rank and bus interchange. Tigerair’s existing facilities will also be refurbished and we’ll soon be welcoming Jetstar and Regional Express.”
“The new T4 has been constructed over a two year period – all while Australia’s second largest passenger airport continued operating 24/7 around construction activity. We thank all of our passengers, airlines, contractors and staff who have helped us to reach this exciting day.”
“Melbourne Airport is Australia’s only major airport open 24 hours a day with a single terminal precinct providing travelers and airlines with greater convenience and choice.”