Efforts to improve and expand Brisbane Airport are right on track. Today, Virgin Australia becomes the first airline to pledge support for the airport's development project by signing a 10-year deal with Brisbane Airport Corporation.

The runway system agreement, which assures the ongoing infrastructure development at Brisbane Airport, is seen to mutually benefit both parties. It not only guarantees runway access to Virgin, but it also promises improved flight operations with an upgraded domestic terminal.

Authorities view the deal as an important step toward the project's fulfilment. BAC chief executive officer Julienne Alroe said it is an affirmation of the commitment of both parties to further the growth and quality of Brisbane's aviation services.

Lately, BAC has been facing complaints on the airport's delayed flight services. Last week, even Virgin Australia head John Borghetti was quoted warning authorities about the impact of such problems on the country's tourism industry. He said better infrastructure is critical in addressing the situation.

There are reports that despite the system improvements put in place by the BAC and Airservices Australia, there are still delays in Brisbane arrival and departure flights. It is said that at least one in four arrivals and nearly one in five departures are still landing late by at least 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, Virgin Australia Chief Financial Officer Sankar Narayan said that the deal only proves the airline's commitment to champion the best interests of its "customers, shareholders and the state of Queensland."

He added that passengers can look forward to more improvements, like the completion of the upgrades being done on Virgin's rented space at the Domestic terminal.