Luxury and service the key to Perth’s new terminal
When Virgin Australia rebranded into a contemporary, premium airline in 2011, there were passengers who thought they were on the wrong plane.
Now with the opening of the airline’s new terminal at Perth Airport, they may think they are in the wrong country.
T1 Domestic Terminal, located to the left side of T1 International, is stunning and a perfect mix of luxury, practicality and functionality.
There is the magnificent Virgin Australia Lounge, power to every seat in the terminal, free WiFi, excellent restaurants and bars, views across to the city and a simple flow-through layout that will not have you guessing.
Once inside the terminal you can’t miss the 28 self check-in kiosks bathed in the Virgin Australia purple and red colours.
Delightfully they are easy to use and almost like having a conversation — albeit with a computer screen — and there are always Virgin Australia staff nearby to assist.
In fact, the kiosks are so simple to use that Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti, a confessed luddite, was able to make the kiosk sing and dance for him in front of a hoard of media and VIPs at the unveiling of the terminal last week.
“This new technology is all about giving our customers the freedom to choose their airport experience,” Mr Borghetti said.
He suggests that airlines erred in forcing passengers down the technology or nothing option.
Some passengers want people to look after them while others want to control their experience so one model doesn’t fit all.
Virgin Australia’s check-in system sits in the middle and can flex one way or the other.
“The new technology improves efficiency and speed, and importantly frees up our people to perform a concierge-style role and support our guests as they move through the new terminal.”
In a world first, the 14 bag-drop stations can convert in just minutes to check-in counters that allow Virgin Australia to tailor the check-in procedure to suit differing scenarios.
There are also seven service pods where Virgin Australia ground crew can support any guests in need of assistance with check-in, boarding passes and baggage tags as well as a service desk to assist with general enquiries.
The airline plans to roll out the new hybrid check-in technology across the airline’s network.
Once through the check-in process, escalators or a lift to the left will take you up to the departure and arrivals level for security screening.
Once through, to your left is the Virgin Australia Lounge, one of the largest in the airline’s network and twice the size — and streets ahead — of the current offering.
It is open to lounge members, business class travellers and gold and platinum velocity frequent flyer members travelling on an onward Virgin Australia domestic flight, and the design follows the theme which has been rolled out in the Eastern States.
Comfortable and functional seating abounds with different options to suit your mood — bar stools, lounge chairs or functional and comfortable work chairs.
And there are ample of the now-familiar snaking workbenches, fitted with USB and AC sockets for you to catch up on home affairs or office issues.
But Virgin Australia’s signature expresso and wine bar may well lure you away.
There are also conference rooms and a business centre equipped with computers if you don’t have your own with you.
In the main concourse, up-market restaurants, bars and shops abound with plenty of seating.
As you stroll through the departure and arrival areas you would be forgiven for thinking you are at Hong Kong International Airport or even Singapore’s Changi Airport.
Perth Airport chief executive Brad Geatches said the airport “deliberately put the customer at the forefront of design considerations and, from the feedback we have received so far, that has certainly paid off”.
WA Premier Colin Barnett commended the investment in the new T1 Domestic.
“Perth Airport is an important gateway to our city and our State and this new terminal represents an exciting milestone in the transformation of the precinct,” Mr Barnett said.
The West Australian, Geoffrey Thomas, 21th November 2015
Originally published as: Luxury and service the key to Perth’s new terminal
