Regional traffic hits milestone as new lounge is set to open in T2
Perth Airport has just recorded its highest June regional passenger numbers on record, eclipsing the record set back at the height of the mining boom in 2013.
In June 2021, 408,818 regional passengers passed through Perth Airport compared to the previous record of 393,407 in June 2013.
The record comes despite the June figures being partially impacted by the State’s most recent Covid lockdown.
The latest result also represents an 80 per cent jump on the passenger numbers recorded in June 2020 when the full impact of the pandemic on travel was being felt.
Perth Airport CEO Kevin Brown said the airport had made significant sacrifices to remain operational during Covid to keep the State’s FIFO workforce flying.
“Despite some big financial losses, we have done the right thing by Western Australia by keeping our runways and terminals operating,” Mr Brown said.
“We understood that without a Covid-safe and secure airport, FIFO traffic and the resources sector would have ground to a halt, with dire consequences for the WA economy.
“The core FIFO market is now being supplemented by more Western Australians avoiding interstate border closures by flying to our regions for their holidays.
“The strong regional figures underline the need for Perth’s New Runway. Despite the drop in international and interstate traffic, our runways remain at or near capacity during peak times.
“A new runway will be critical in ensuring the resources sector can continue to grow and deliver their planned projects.”
To support the continued growth of FIFO in WA, Perth Airport has partnered with Swissport to launch a new Aspire Lounge at Terminal 2. The Lounge is open to all passengers travelling through T2 and offers complimentary food and drink, digital magazines and newspapers, charging facilities and Wi-Fi.
“Despite the pandemic, Perth Airport and Swissport Asia Pacific have been able to undertake this project to enhance the customer experience for regional passengers, continued Mr Brown.
“These pay per use lounges are becoming more popular at airports around the world and it is great to be able to open this lounge which offers our regional passengers a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy airport.
“The Lounge provides passengers, regardless of what airline they are flying with, a dedicated space to relax, refresh and recharge before their flight.
“What better way to start a journey than by sitting in the comfort of the lounge and enjoying top quality food and drinks?
“The opening of the lounge is a fantastic outcome for our airline partners who operate from T2 as well as the regional passengers using the terminal.
The lounge has a capacity of 120 guests and provides some extra comforts to travellers before their flight.
A special introductory offer of $20+gst per visit is available during July with corporate rates available through resource companies and salary packaging providers.
Swissport Managing Director Australasia Brad Moore said the business was sharply focused on delivering the best lounge services for the local sector. “Our lounge products are carefully designed to meet the unique and evolving needs of our airport and airline partners and to help deliver the ultimate travelling experience for their guests.”
Construction works are also continuing to transform Perth Airport’s former Control Centre and a part of the Terminal 1 Observation Deck into a new Aspire Lounge where passengers can unwind before their international flight. This Lounge will be launched when international travel returns.
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