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Category: Air Transport / Business, Economics and Finance

International lounge opens at Canberra Airport

Friday, 16 Sep 2016 11:47:20

An artist's impression of the new international terminal at Canberra Airport. (Supplied: Canberra Airport)

New lounge and immigration screening areas have been opened at Canberra Airport ahead of the first international flights scheduled for next week.

Airport boss Terry Snow officially opened the areas this morning and said he believed the city was ready to reclaim the title of an "International" airport.

A border force office with sniffer dog. Photo: Australian Border Force sniffer dog preparing for international work with its handler. (ABC News: Jesse Dorsett)

"We used to call ourselves Canberra International Airport but we got laughed at so much we had to drop the international," he joked.

"We only call ourselves Canberra Airport. But maybe now we'll get the international back in there."

In a deal Mr Snow said was more than 18 years in the making, Singapore Airlines will connect Canberra with Changi Airport as well as and Wellington in New Zealand, four times a week.

The airport is discussing additional flights with low-cost carriers in Asia.

"The airport is at about a quarter capacity. I'll never see the airport fully used," Mr Snow said.

Dozens of dignitaries attended the ceremony including Transport Minister Darren Chester, who was particularly impressed by the new terminal.

"I was blown away when I walked upstairs this morning," he told the gathering.

"I was expecting to see the same old terminal I've seen at various airports around the world. Some crusty old vinyl chairs.

"But I've got to say this is a state of the art facility."

AustraliaPlus


 

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