Page 18 - AAA NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2013 Online Magazine

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ANBERRA AIRPORT
FEATURE CANBERRA AIRPORT
FEA

Small, but the Best:

Canberra Airport Australia

Canberra has committed to positioning itself the Best small airport in the World.
It offers international and regional service provision as well as a superior quality
deliver, and was voted australian Capital City airport of the Year 2013. We look at
what makes it tick. By AAA staff.

WHEN THE bYRON FAMILY PURCHASED best terminal for its size – and to use that to
Canberra Airport some 15 years ago, compete on an international stage.
it was “little more than a tin shed in a Today, Canberra Airport is the first
sheep paddock” admits Matthew Brown impression many people get of Australia’s
- Head of Aviation at Canberra Airport. capital city, a city that has truly come of
But, says Byron, the clear vision his age. It is a modern, sophisticated, vibrant
father had for the facility was even back city and passengers should understand
then to become the best small airport that as soon as they walk into the new
in the world. “And what you see today airport, says Byron.
reflects his passion, ambition and drive Virgin’s new Lounge underscores that
to get it done,” he says. impression that with what has been described
Canberra Airport recognised early that as “simply one of the finest club lounges for
it could not compete on a national scale, let an airline anywhere in the world.” Byron
alone an international scale, in terms of size adds that this part of the AUD$480million
or quantity of its terminal offering in terms Airvolution development plan is not only a
of check-in facilities, aerobridges, or car fantastic product for passengers but also a
parks. But as Byron says, it realised it could significant investment and vote of confidence
focus on design and development to offer the in the city and its future.
18 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM