Melbourne’s airport Terminal 1 has reportedly been sold for $355 million in a statement released by Qantas earlier this month.
The domestic terminal at Tullamarine has been purchased by Melbourne Airport with Qantas signing an agreement giving the airline exclusive access to the terminal as well as passenger lounges for the next 10 years.
Melbourne Airport will maintain ownership of the assets and oversee the running of the property.
In a statement made by Qantas, the possibility of the terminal being used for international travel will be assessed. Melbourne Airport hopes that use of the terminal for international passengers will maximise its potential by making use of available time slots not currently being used.
Melbourne Airport chief executive, Lyell Strambi has highlighted the importance of the move, which he says will support the continuing successful operation of the domestic market as well as create opportunities for further growth and offering more choice for customers.
The transition to a new Terminal 1 operation will be phased in slowly to avoid disruption to passengers as much as possible. The airport may use printing services to inform passengers of the changes as they occur.
Alan Joyce, Qantas group chief executive has said that it was great to see Melbourne Airport taking a rational approach to commercial opportunities that have made the deal a possibility.
The agreement begins on July 1st 2019.
