New vision: Sydney Airport chief executive Kerrie Mather. Picture: Louie Douvis
SYDNEY Airport will soon be asking St George and Sutherland Shire residents what they think about its latest plan to replace the international and domestic terminals with two precincts dedicated to Virgin and Qantas customers.
Announced last December, the airport's New Vision concept means the international and domestic terminals would be under the one roof, and there will be a new aircraft maintenance area.
Sydney Airport chief executive Kerrie Mather said the establishment of two "alliance-based" precincts for Australia's two major carriers Virgin and Qantas would be better for passengers.
There would be faster connect times and more efficient airline and airport operations, Ms Mather said.
The airport has already formulated a non-binding agreement with both Qantas and Virgin on the new plan, and both airlines are broadly supportive of it.
If it goes ahead it will provide more aircraft gates, and provide for future terminal expansion, according to a statement issued by the airport at the time the plan was unveiled.
Kevin Hill, of Kurnell, who represents south Sydney on the Sydney Airport Community Forum, said he believed the airport's latest plan was an attempt to scuttle the current debate about a second Sydney airport.
"Their idea of the airport is that it can continue to grow for the next 20 years, but that is not possible. It is at capacity," Mr Hill said.
He said a second airport was the only solution to expanding air traffic in Sydney.
"It should be built, and preferably at Badgerys Creek," Mr Hill said.
Community consultation on the latest plan for the airport was planned for July and August, but exact times and venues were yet to be finalised, a spokeswoman said.
Plan details: sydneyairport
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