Designing a world-class traveller experience for Perth Airport

One of several projects in Perth Airport’s consolidation plan, the AUD141m international departures expansion and refurbishment was a considerable step-change. This expansion involved multiple stakeholders with highly complex operational processes.

We implemented a stakeholder engagement strategy which incorporated stakeholder requirements into the expansion. The expansion of the Terminal 1 building required complex interfaces with the existing building and construction in operational areas. We designed the new areas as a seamless expansion of the building ensuring a consistent appearance. In addition to playing a critical role in design leadership, we provided transport planning, aviation planning, structural and civil engineering, blast and security, façade and acoustics design and site supervision.

The final design created a spacious new split-level departures area and delivered several exciting firsts for Perth Airport including a combined international and domestic service offering at T1 and two A380 gates. The T1 international departures expansion improves the passenger experience and supports the Perth Airport’s vision to transform the airport into and international gateway.

New airport design for greater capacity

To facilitate the introduction of regular A380 services to Perth, the expansion included two A380 gates. The expanded departures lounge area was designed to allow for passenger numbers to suit the larger aircraft. 

In addition to a spacious new split-level departures area and a greater range of retail and dining options, other features include:

• Expanded check-in hall and 16 new international check-in counters
• Expanded baggage handling system to accommodate increased demand
• Larger reconfigured security area incorporating body scanner technology
• Existing gate upgraded to MARS Code F
• New and upgraded swing gate facilities (MARS Code F)
• New boarding lounge for international passengers
• New airline lounge.

The design of the new departures area takes into consideration rapidly changing technology and provides next generation security screening and baggage technology.

Our design leadership advice (co-delivered with architect Woods Bagot) also assisted the interface of concurrent adjacent projects and ensured the existing terminal remained operational.