Virgin Australia all set to open its T1 Domestic Terminal in Perth this November

Flyers are set to experience new hybrid technology, as Virgin Australia revealed the future operations of its new $200 million T1 Domestic Terminal in Perth on Friday. The terminal which is set to be opened on November 22, would not only enhance the experience of Western Australians but beyond that.

Virgin Australia has used new hybrid technology developed by global air transport IT provider SITA, which is first of its kind in the aviation industry worldwide. The technology has been designed in such a way that it allows Virgin Australia check-in experience to be tailored to each guest and changes according to the needs of the customers.

“This new technology is all about giving our customers the freedom to choose their airport experience. Customer service at Virgin Australia is what sets us apart and bringing our people out from behind a desk will further empower them to deliver a new standard in service excellence,” said Virgin Australia Group Chief Executive Officer, John Borghetti.

He added that this technology would set apart Virgin Australia and may take it to a leading position in a competitive environment. It also allows faster transfer between regional, domestic and international flights.

SITA President, Asia Pacific, Ilya Gutlin, said this was an ground-breaking project for the airlines. “We are proud to be Virgin Australia's technology partner in revolutionising their on-ground guest experience, beginning with the new Perth terminal,” he added.

He further said that the opportunity to work with Virgin Australia has prompted them to combine their creative ideas and extensive know-how to develop a world-first hybrid check-in and bag drop service at an airport, which gives customers ample flexibility. It would be more of personalised journey for the customers from the moment they enter the terminal.

Virgin Australia, which recently reported profitable Q3 earnings, has been one of the greatest rivals of Qantas airways. Even Qantas has been working on a similar technological upgradation for its transcontinental product that is supposed to be completed by the end of 2016, reported Sydney Morning Herald.

The Virgin Australia terminal features include:

o 14 hybrid desks which can be switched from self-service bag drop to full-service, traditional counters within five minutes;

o unique swivel technology engineered on each of the 14 monitor screens to accelerate the changeover process; and

o the flexibility to determine how many self-service bag drop desks can be changed into full-service counters depending on demand in peak periods.

Along with the hybrid bag drop desks, the check-in hall also features:

o 28 self-service kiosks where guests can check-in, print boarding passes, add bags and print baggage tags;

o 7 service pods where a Virgin Australia ground crew member can support any guests in need of assistance with check-in, boarding passes and baggage tags; and

o Service desk to assist with traditional check-in, boarding passes and general enquiries.

o Access to 12 departure gates including three dedicated to wide-body aircraft;

o A direct and air-conditioned airside link between Terminals 1 and 2 making it easier and smoother than ever before for Virgin Australia guests to navigate the connection between terminals;

o A 1,711m2 Virgin Australia lounge, designed by Tim Greer of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects which will accommodate 400 guests and feature the airline’s signature Espresso and Wine Bar.

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