The FINANCIAL — Sydney Airport has commenced phase two of the T1 improvement program to deliver a world-class airport experience for passengers, visitors and staff.
The improvement works follow consultation with stakeholders and address requests for more direct paths through the terminal, clearer sight lines, better wayfinding, more passenger seating closer to gates, and an overall superior customer experience, according to Sydney Airport.
Key benefits include:
Wider pathways to deliver improved passenger flows and more direct paths to aircraft gates;
A new central “boulevard” providing passengers with shorter walking distances, greater lines of sight and access from security to the boarding gates and aircraft;
Clear signage and wayfinding that will better assist passengers to know where they are in the terminal, and how long it will take them to reach their gate lounge;
Additional casual seating located closer to boarding gates;
An improved retail and food and beverage offer with commanding views of the city and airfield; and
Re-organised duty free tenancies on Arrivals level to provide improved pre-passport control zones with more space for access to e-passport kiosks, orientation space and optimised access to passport control line.
The works in phase two include:
The roll out of automated technology for passport control by Customs;
The construction of a straight path through the main duty free store from the screening area to gate lounges, ensuring airlines and passengers have a direct path to gates, with works expected to be completed by September 2015;
Expansion of the inbound immigration hall to provide increased passenger passport control processing capacity in both Pier B and Pier C Arrivals; and
Pier C Departures duty free store being relocated and arrivals store opening.
During the transition there will be a reduction in the food and beverage offering in the airside precinct, however passengers will be able to access a great range of food and beverage options in the casual dining precinct before going through passport control and security. This includes new outlets Roll’d, Nando’s, Grand Cru, Hokka Hokka, Soul Origin and Mach2, catering to all budgets and tastes.
The second phase of the T1 improvement program follows the commencement of our new duty free partner Heinemann on Tuesday, 17 February 2015.
Once completed, the Heinemann duty free stores will showcase 400 new brands and will offer customers the convenience of online and mobile shopping. In addition to its extensive core product range, they’ll be offering an exciting collection of premium fashion and accessories brands, a large selection of toys and games, local and international delicacies, and a dedicated Australian products section.
With the combination of Heinemann and the new luxury retail precinct, Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal will soon be one of Sydney’s premier fashion destinations, offering a world-class international retail mix delivering more choice and value to customers.
Due for completion in the third quarter of 2016, the works have been staged over 20 months to minimise potential disruption to passengers.
“Following the completion of works, we will deliver a world-class airport experience for passengers,” Sydney Airport managing director and chief executive officer Kerrie Mather said.
“Direct, straight paths, wider walkways, more gate lounge seating, improved terminal ambience, a brand new shopping and dining offering and improved wayfinding will help transform T1 into Australia’s premier airport terminal.
“Sydney Airport is Australia’s gateway and we are working hard to deliver our passengers an enhanced customer experience and airline partners more efficient operations.”
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