TERMINAL 1 INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

25 October, 2016

Perth Airport today celebrates 30 years of operations at Terminal 1 (T1) International, marking a significant milestone in air travel in Western Australia.

On 25 October 1986, Prime Minister Bob Hawke unveiled the international terminal and control tower, replacing the old terminal that was built from second-hand wartime materials for the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.

“The opening of the new terminal in 1986 was the start of an exciting new chapter in air travel for the State, and cemented Perth Airport’s role as the gateway to Western Australia,” said Kevin Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Perth Airport.

“Since opening, the international terminal has welcomed millions of passengers, growing from 500,000 passengers a year in 1986 to more than 4.2 million passengers last financial year.”

Mr Brown said the 30-year milestone comes as the airport neared completion of its historic $1 billion redevelopment that had seen all terminal facilities expanded, upgraded or constructed to provide a more enjoyable customer experience.

“Perth Airport is now bigger, better and faster than ever before – we have more than doubled the size of our terminal facilities, driven operational efficiency and enhanced our customer service capabilities,” said Mr Brown.

“With the completion of the $54 million forecourt, and road and short-term car park expansion later this year, Terminal 1 will continue to be a world-class facility for decades to come.”

“We are also looking forward to celebrating the first year anniversary of our newest terminal – T1 Domestic – next month. The opening of T1 Domestic provided customers, for the first time, a seamless transfer between regional, interstate and international services in the one convenient location.”

“Our commitment and journey towards a centralised airport model remains a key focus and with upgrades to major road networks aligned with Gateway WA, connectivity to and from Perth Airport has been significantly enhanced.”

“Perth Airport is also working closely with the State Government by providing land and access for the

$2 billion Forrestfield-Airport Link which will provide reliable public transport connections to Perth Airport,” said Mr Brown.

Fast facts:

In early 1942, the area on which Perth Airport is now located was converted from the Dunreath Golf Course to a RAAF base, which operated until the end of World War II.
In 1943, the first runway was built by Western Australia’s Main Roads Department for RAAF fighters, with a second strip being laid a year later.
In September 1952, the Guildford Aerodrome officially changed its status and name to become Perth Airport.
In March 1953, the then new International Terminal was completed at a cost of $180,000, being built from second-hand wartime materials.
On 25 October 1986, the new International Terminal on the eastern side of the airport was opened, complete with a 70 metre Air Traffic Control Tower, which was the highest in Australia.
In July 1997, Perth Airport Pty Ltd secured a 99-year lease as part of the first phase of the privatisation of airports in Australia.

ENDS -

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