Page 19 - AAA NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2013 Online Magazine

FEATURE CANBERRA AIRPORT

In partnership
with the ACT
Government,
Canberra Airport
has invested in a
major upgrade of
the arterial road
system servicing the airport, such
that it now has road connections
to the CBD that are unrivalled
in Australia. The Airport is also
located at the intersection of
national highways linking it
with Sydney, Melbourne and the
Monaro region of south-eastern
Australia. It is also set to become
a key node in Government’s plan
to introduce light rail and high
speed rail links.

Expansion and designed, can be delivered in 12 international carriers servicing Canberra
The airport handled approximately months or less, and will not cause major Airport,” says Byron.
3million passengers in 2012/2013 when disruption to ongoing operation of the new The attention to detail and forward-
terminal infrastructure proved to be a terminal – this level of capability and the looking management extends to the
constraint. Now, following completion way it can be delivered is unique.” staff too. As Byron point out, having the
of the airport’s new terminal, the airport A total of AUD$480 million has right team is paramount. “Canberra
can accommodate an annual 12 million been spent redeveloping the terminal Airport invests heavily in the structure,
domestic and international passengers infrastructure. This includes new arterial recruitment and training of its teams,”
each year. This capability is underpinned and precinct roads, new car parks, and she says. “The quality of this investment
by the Airvolution design’s commitment an integrated domestic and international was recognised as part of Canberra
future expansion. terminal building. Outside, new aircraft Airport being awarded Australian Capital
“In terms of capability, check-in parking aprons and the 3300m main City Airport of the Year in 2013.”
counters can increase by 175% to 44 in runway are now fully capable of handling As part of this integrated HR approach,
total, contact gates can increase 10 from large wide-body aircraft operations. terminal staff have been reengaged in a
to 22, the baggage system can more than The associated taxiway and apron targeted customer service improvement
double, and car parks can increase from infrastructure has similar capability, program; part of the AirVolution project.
3,500 to more than 8,000,” explains Byron. which with an absence of slot restrictions Terminal staff now wear green uniforms,
More, the plan allows for additional road and a curfew-free status means that a subtle yet recognisable colour which
lanes and set down areas too, he says. Canberra Airport is free of the restrictions signals a point for information and
“This capability to increase capacity that plague many Australian airports. assistance for passengers. Underscoring
may not be unique, but the ability to do “Importantly, the unrestricted nature of this, green is also used in directional
so without major disruption and rework the airport infrastructure is matched with signage and at service points. Airport
is unique,” he says. “Each of these a largely unrestricted air rights package staff have their uniforms emblazoned
additions to capacity has been planned offered by Australian Government for with ‘Here to Help’ across the shoulders

Canberra is a world class destination in its own right. It
has unique attractions and experiences that set it apart from
other australian destinations. Where else can you experience
the australian bush, beaches and snow on your doorstep!

- MD Stephen Byron
WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS 19