Australia’s Acting PM opens $135 million Brisbane terminal expansion

NEW BUILD: Queensland College of Art (QCA) Master of Visual Art student Michael Phillips' work

Brisbane Airport’s new $135 million expansion of the northern International Terminal and apron has been officially opened by Michael McCormack MP, Acting Prime Minister, Leader of the Nationals and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.

Following two years of construction across two levels, the expansion provides an additional 11,000 square meters of space at the International Terminal, including new arriving and departing passenger zones, two new walk-out gates and four new aerobridges.

A feature of the terminal expansion is a 90-metre floor to ceiling art work by Queensland College of Art (QCA) Master of Visual Art student Michael Phillips, commissioned by Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) as part of a competition.

The project also delivered 55,000 square metres of new pavement, new aircraft taxiways and three new aircraft parking bays capable of accommodating A380, B747, A330, A340 and A787 aircraft.

Julieanne Alroe, BAC CEO and Managing Director, said the terminal and apron expansion was just one part of the airport’s $3.8 billion infrastructure programme designed to meet future growth, and position Brisbane Airport as the nation’s preferred gateway airport.

“Last year we had a record 7 per cent increase in international passengers and, with numbers expected to rise, our focus is on how Brisbane Airport can continue to play a significant role in meeting forecast demand and stimulating even more.

“When our new runway opens in 2020, Brisbane Airport will be in the unique position of having more capacity than any other capital city airport in Australia and the most efficient runway system in the country, as well as being the most domestically connected airport for travellers.

“This makes Brisbane an incredibly attractive option for new international carriers looking to commence services to Australia, for departing passengers wanting direct access to the world, arriving international visitors, and for existing airlines carriers wanting to increase the frequency of services to accommodate demand.

“It’s about connecting all the pieces to make travelling through Brisbane Airport a consistently world class experience for all.”