Perth International Airport, PER

Airport Name: Perth International Airport
IATA Code: PER, ICAO Code: YPPH
Airport Type: Large Airport
Elevation: 20 metres.
Municipiality: Perth, Region: Western Australia, Country: Australia
Wikipedia link: PER Airport on Wikipedia

Serving the largest and the capital city of Western Australia, Perth Airport is the country's fourth busiest airport. There is a significant growth in the passenger traffic for this airport for the last few years which, can be attributed to the boom in the mining industry and to the increasing budget for the international carriers.

Due to this increasing traffic, the Airport is now facing the overcrowding problem. Even though an upgrade and redevelopment plan was recently announced, the facilities would only be a 'C' type facility (as defined by the standards of the International Air Transport Association). A said leaked consumer survey even claims that Perth Airport is among the world's 120 worst city airports.

History

Before, the civilian air operations for the city are done in Maylands, a suburb located on the northeast of Perth. However, by 1930, it was seen that this airport cannot handle larger and faster aircrafts. This led to the idea of looking for another site to where a new airport will be built. In its early operation, particularly on the onset of World War II, Perth Airport was used primarily for military purposes. This is why, the starting operation of Qantas Empire and Australian National Airways in 1944 was faced with protests from the military. Nevertheless, the government favored the civilian operations.

From 1962, both international and domestic flights were handled in one terminal. However, upon the arrival of the Boeing-747 in 1971, it was found out that the airport has reached its maximum capacity and that any increase in passenger demand can't be dealt with anymore.

In 1980, Ralph Hunt, the Federal Transport Minister proclaimed the building of a separate international terminal, which opened in 1986.

Runways

Perth Airport has two asphalt runways - the main runway 03/21, which is 3,444m long and 06/24, which is 2,163m long.

Terminals

The airport consists of four terminals—three major and one minor terminals.

Terminal 1 (T1) is the terminal that serves international flights going in and out of Australia. It is located in the main's runway eastern side, and currently has five jetways and seven gates. Apart from the international flights, it has also serviced then newcomer domestic airlines including Compass Airlines and Virgin Australia.

Terminal 2 and 3 (T2 and T3) are both domestic terminals located at the western side of the airport. T2 is used primarily by Qantas Airline's QantasLink and Jetstart. It has only one member lounge which is known as the Qantas Club.

Adjacent to T2 is T3, which is known as the Multi-user Domestic Terminal. It is operated by Westralia Airports Corporation. Formerly the terminal for Ansett Australia, it is now where Alliance Airlines, Skywest, Tiger Airways Australia, and Virgin Australia operate.

A fourth terminal, which is the general aviation terminal, is also present in the airport. It is allotted for mining carriers and services for remote operations. Regional terminals are also included in here which flies to specific areas.

Flights and Destinations

Perth Airport, as of July 2011, offers a total 37 flights towards 77 different destinations in Australia and Asia, as well as in South Africa (Johannesburg), UAE (Dubai), and China (Guangzhou). Out this 37, nine are domestic flights and four are regional flights.

Transport To and From the Airport

From the city centre, the international and domestic terminals are 35- and 25-minute travel respectively. Via car, the international terminal, being located in the Horrie Miller Drive, can be accessed via Tonkin Highway, while the domestic terminal located in Brearly Avenue can be accessed via Great Eastern Highway. Car as an option would be convenient because both terminals offer long-term and short-term parking options. There is also this so-called Premium Business Parking ideal for passengers who prefer covered parking.

Buses are also available for those who wish to transfer between the three terminals. Such service is provided every 50 minutes. Transperth also offers the same service but only between domestic terminals.

Other transportation includes the City Shuttle, which that offers a door-to-door service between Perth City and Perth Airport. Express shuttle is also available. It travels from the Perth Airport and Fremantle, and can directly send you to your hotel or home in the Fremantle area.

Perth International Airport Arrivals

Perth International Airport Departures

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