After two years of construction within Brisbane Airport’s Domestic Terminal, passengers this week are set to experience the first benefits of the terminal’s security screening transformation. From 5:00am, Tuesday October 28, the brand-new northern screening point will open, delivering a smoother, more streamlined screening experience for Qantas passengers. The new northern screening point features 5 brand-new security lanes equipped with Rapiscan CT (Computed Tomography) screening technology, also known as Standard 3. This delivers a more secure screening process and, importantly for passengers, allows laptops and aerosols to remain inside bags, making for a smoother screening process. The lanes also feature larger tubs to accommodate personal items, and automatic tray return.
“We’ve been in testing mode over the past week as our teams get up to speed with the new equipment, and we’re incredibly excited to see this brand-new screening point open to passengers from Tuesday,” Stacey Pollard, Brisbane Airport Head of Terminal Operations said. “The fact that passengers will be able to leave laptops and aerosols in their bags will make a real difference and remove one of the biggest frustrations for frequent travellers. We’re grateful for passengers right across Brisbane Airport who have been patient over the past couple of years, and we delighted that they’re about to start experiencing the benefits of the Future BNE transformation.”
The two screening lanes in the Qantas Premium Entry are already Standard 3 technology equipped.
While Qantas passengers will be the first to experience the new screening point this week, other travellers won’t have to wait long. Work is well advanced on construction of a new mezzanine level in the centre of the Domestic Terminal, which will deliver 10 lanes of security screening capacity and is expected to open just before Christmas.
The new mezzanine, which is the size of four tennis courts, will create a new entry point to the Domestic Terminal, enabling passengers travelling without checked baggage to move seamlessly from the Skywalk, through security, and straight to their departure gate, all on a single level. Progress also continues in the International Terminal to deliver the same Standard 3 screening technology to passengers before the end of the year. The upgrade is just one part of the $5 billion Future BNE transformation across the precinct.
Originair touches down in Christchurch
Christchurch Airport welcomed Originair’s new weekday and Sunday service connecting Blenheim and Christchurch, which began 19 October and restores a vital regional air link across the South Island. The first aircraft of the service was greeted with a water arch as it taxied in. The British Aerospace Jetstream 32 aircraft will operate return services, supporting business, tourism, and patient travel to specialist healthcare.
Gordon Bevan, General Manager Aeronautical Development, said: “We’re proud to work alongside Originair and Marlborough Airport to keep the South Island connected. Collaboration like this ensures essential travel remains easy and reliable.
Regional routes like this are an important part of our network, supporting connectivity, care, and commerce across the island. This is a 20,000-passenger market, two thirds the size of the Blenheim population so the significance for Marlborough cannot be underestimated.”
Melbourne Airport trials fixed-price taxi kiosks
Melbourne Airport will host a trial of a new taxi booking system designed to make it simpler and safer for passengers to catch a ride from the airport. The A2B led trial will launch this month and feature three taxi kiosks situated in the Qantas domestic terminal which will allow passengers to enter their destination address to secure and pay a fixed price fare upfront. A printed or digital receipt will be issued showing the guaranteed price and passengers will be directed to a dedicated bay to meet their driver. A2B provides the dispatch system which supports operations for 13cabs, Silver Top, Black and White and Silver Service.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Ground Transport, Property and Retail Jai McDermott said the trial is designed to help deter illegal taxi touts from the airport. “Taxi touts rip off passengers and deprive honest drivers of work, so we’re doing everything in our power to stamp out the practice,” he said. “People shouldn’t have to haggle with a cabbie over a fare or their destination when they come to the airport, and this trial aims to eliminate that pain point. Our hope is that this trial will add a sense of security and certainty to the process of catching a cab from the airport.”
A spokesperson for A2B said the trial was a win for passengers and for drivers committed to doing the right thing. “The new kiosk system will help ensure a smoother, more professional experience for everyone using taxis at Melbourne Airport,” he said. “We know that the vast majority of drivers are honest, hardworking professionals providing excellent service. But unfortunately, it only takes a few doing the wrong thing to damage public trust. That’s why 13cabs, Silver Service, Silvertop and Black and White taxis are proud to be part of the ‘Taxi Booking Kiosk’ rollout, which sets clear expectations from the moment a passenger steps up to the rank. It’s about fairness, accountability, and making taxi travel as seamless as possible.”
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Matt Driskill at matt.driskill@asianaviation.com
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Head of Sales Kay Rolland at kay.rolland@asianaviation.com
