New arrival procedures at Adelaide Airport commenced today for passengers of South Australia’s largest regional airline, Regional Express (Rex). The arrangements bypass the need for security screening of Adelaide arriving passengers, the climb up four flights of stairs and the long walk from the aircraft along the covered walkways and inside the terminal to collect bags and exit.
From Rex’s first arriving flights this morning, passengers were taken by special bus directly from their arriving aircraft to the new Rex arrival area in the former International Terminal Building, adjacent to the new terminal building.
Commenting on the new procedures, Rex Managing Director Mr Geoff Breust said he was delighted with the operation of the new arrangements and the positive comments from passengers.
“Our passengers have commented on how quick and easy the new procedure is. All the comments have been very positive.”
Adelaide destination passengers collect their baggage in the new Rex Arrival area in the former International Terminal Building right next to the entrance after alighting from the bus. From there it is a quick departure through the front door to taxis or pick-up or a walk over to the car park.
“We will still have a period of transition while our customers become familiar with the new arrangements, especially the arrangements for connections to other airline flights and for connecting baggage,” Mr Breust said.
“For those passengers with same-day onward connections with Rex or Virgin Blue and their baggage has been checked to their final destination, the baggage is transferred directly to their next flight. For those travelling on with other airlines, their baggage will be taken to Carousel No 2 in the main terminal. Those passengers must collect their bags and check-in at the new terminal in the usual way.
All connecting passengers must check themselves in for their connecting flights at appropriate airline counters in the new terminal.
Special pamphlets detailing the arrangements are being handed to passengers and full details are published on the Rex web site at www.rex.com.au.
“We ask all Rex passengers to advise our staff at their regional port of departure their full travel itinerary so that we can ensure their baggage is directed to the correct part of the terminal complex,” Mr Breust said.
“The second bus was on hand for the peak period this morning as it will be for all morning and evening peak periods each weekday. Staff are also in place at the new arrivals area as required to assist passengers, and Public Announcements at Gate 10 in the new terminal are advising greeters of the new arrivals area.
“These new arrangements were put in place following agreement between Adelaide Airport Limited (AAL) and Rex in response to the feedback from regional passengers over the facilities in the new terminal.
“While not the ideal long term solution for regional passengers, we are certain these measures are and will be seen by regional passengers as a major improvement over the previous arrangements,” Mr Breust said
There are no changes to the current check-in and departure arrangements for Rex services from Adelaide – all passengers check-in at the Rex counters on the Departures level at the new terminal (T1) and board from gate 10 on the northern concourse.
In addition, work is being done by AAL to improve existing covered walkways on the aircraft tarmac still used for all Rex departures. Window sections have been installed, drainage problems fixed and ventilation is being improved, along with the removal of the centre divider required to separate in-bound and security cleared out-bound passengers. This will significantly improve the ambience and acceptability of the facility.
“On behalf of all the passengers and regional communities who use our service, I would like to thank Adelaide Airport for its agreement to the new arrangements and its co-operation and investment in making the changes to the existing facilities.
“I also publicly thank all the representatives of regional centres in South Australia and in Broken Hill for their stand on the issue. All of regional SA would benefit from this,” Mr Breust said.
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Media contact: 0402 438 361 – Sara–Jane Uden
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