Air traveller - season 2012

[Bob C]

Friday's "West Australian" newspaper had an excellent liftout covering many facets of air travel which affect those of us in Western Australia.

The Liftout is obviously aimed at "Sandgropers" but will also be of interest to
other spotters and I recommend that anyone who can, purchase a copy.

There is plenty of information about the problems affecting the much maligned
and despised Perth airport and the plans in place and works underway to improve the situation. More than $1 billion will be spent on new terminals, upgrading existing facilities, roadworks and other infrastructure.

Mention is made about how the mining boom and consequent explosion of FIFO flights have caused the current problems. Also, the rapid growth in both inbound and outbound tourism, which was unforseen when the World Financial Crisis was at its peak only three years ago, has also contributed to the problems.

There are good schematics of what is planned for Perth Airport by 2020 and how both Domestic and International operations will be combined at the present International precinct. I was particularly interested in the design of the new pier at the International which will be used by Virgin Australia when completed in 2014.It has plenty of glass (a la Hong Kong) and an upward sweeping roof line reminiscent of the Virgin spaceport in the USA. It looks very striking and spotter friendly.

Interestingly, Terminal W A has been renamed Terminal 2 and when it opens in
2013 will primarily serve destinations in outback W A. Skywest, Alliance and
Tiger will relocate to this terminal.

There are also articles on various airlines, the B787, Frequent Flyer Programs
etc and the liftout is certainly a good read.