Jetstar will move its domestic operations at Melbourne Airport from Terminal 1 to new purpose-built facilities at Terminal 4 from Tuesday as it ramps up services to popular holiday destinations.
The switch will give the low cost carrier access to triple the number of boarding gates in peak periods, taking it from four to 12. This will enable it to increase the number of flights to selected destinations, reduce delays and improve arrival times by reducing the need to wait on tarmac for a free gate with no bussing between terminal and aircraft required, according to the airline.
In addition, the new terminal is doubling the number of self-service check-in kiosks to 36, with 18 bag drop units.
Jetstar Australia and New Zealand chief executive David Hall explained the move had been made necessary by the carrier’s significant growth over the last 11 years.
“When Jetstar first operated from Melbourne we were a small airline with 14 aircraft flying to a handful of destinations up and down the East Coast of Australia,” he said.
“Today we have more than 60 aircraft, operating from Melbourne to 15 different destinations around Australia.”
He was confident Melburnians would be impressed by the terminal’s “more spacious feel” and the swift journey through the terminal.
Other features of the new terminal include a central departure lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, 1,200 sears and 30 shopping and dining outlets. In addition, there are a range of dedicated transport options which include a new taxi rank, a SkyBus stop and plenty of pick up and drop off space.
