The FINANCIAL — Melbourne Airport has opened the doors to Australia’s newest domestic terminal, marking the start of a staged opening over the coming months.
Melbourne Airport’s new Terminal 4 is the first terminal in the Asia Pacific region to open as a completely self-service check-in operation.
Currently, 10 self service check-in kiosks and automated bag drops are operating on the ground level, according to Melbourne Airport.
A number of retailers have opened in the level 1 departure lounge. Over the coming months, more than 30 fashion and convenience stores will open, along with food and beverage providers.
With 1,200 seats, and floor to ceiling windows providing sweeping views of the airfield, the departure lounge offers a relaxing area for passengers to wait for their flight to board.
The first flight from the new Terminal 4, Tigerair Australia flight TT206, departed for Sydney at 6.45am this morning. The low-cost carrier will continue to operate from the new Terminal 4 while its existing facilities undergo refurbishment.
Jetstar and Regional Express will move into the new terminal in the coming months.
Quotes attributable to Lorie Argus, Executive – Operations, Melbourne Airport:
“Today is an important milestone in the two-year construction phase of Terminal 4. We are really proud to welcome Tigerair and its passengers to our new T4.”
“Today is the first step in an exciting program of works that will continue in and around the new Terminal 4 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 Terminal 4 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 travellers and airlines with greater convenience and choice.”
