The Map Group announced on Monday plans to merge the international and domestic terminals in Sydney Airport by 2019.

Map Chief Executive Kerrie Mather said the planned change would provide better passenger experience in terms of faster connection time and reduction of aircraft turnaround time, and would lead to more aircraft gates, parking and provide for future terminal expansion.

The plan has the support of two major airlines that mainly use Sydney Airport, the Qantas Group and the Virgin Group. Under the agreements signed by MAp, it would create a precinct for Virgin Australia and its partners, as well as other international carriers, and build a new hangar for the airline. MAp would also construct a new engineering complex for Qantas.

However, the concept is still at an exploratory stage and there is no detailed costing analysis yet for the plan.

Qantas Chief Executive Alan Joyce said as passenger numbers grow over the next 10 years, airlines and airports must work closely together to offer a seamless travel experience for air travelers.

Virgin Australia Chief Executive John Borghetti said the air carrier supports any proposal that would improve services to passengers and boost tourism in Australia.

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