Condé Nast Traveller Awards Sydney Airport in the Global Top Ten.
Sydney Airport has been voted one of the top ten airports in the world by readers of the UK Condé Nast Traveller magazine.
The CEO of Sydney Airport, Russell Balding, welcomed the news saying that it was great recognition for the improvements underway at the International Terminal.
“While the $500 million upgrade of the International Terminal is not yet complete, the practical benefits of our investment are already becoming obvious to passengers.
“The International Terminal has been enlarged and upgraded to provide passengers with more space and more choice with a greater range of food and beverage outlets. The work on the upgrade is not due to be complete until mid-2010, but the fact that it is already being well received by passengers is very encouraging.
“New shops already open include the world’s first Lonely Planet store, Bambini Wine Bar, Rossini Gastronomia, Red Rooster, Wagamama, Krispy Kreme and Seafood Bar. Our aim is to provide range and choice with something for everyone.
“And of course, Sydney Airport invested $128 million to upgrade its facilities for the arrival of the A380. Gate lounges have been upgraded and three door aerobridges have been provided to make sure passengers can embark from the superjumbo without delay. We have been operating A380s for two years and Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Qantas now all operate the A380 from Sydney Airport.
“I also want to congratulate all airport staff for their efforts in maintaining a high quality of service for passengers while the renovations continued around them. I also want to thank our business partners including airlines and government agencies for their support in delivering improved services for passengers.
“It has been a challenge to undertake an upgrade of this size while maintaining day-to-day operations, so this award – received while the work is still underway – is much appreciated,” Mr Balding said.
Sydney Airport is Australia’s national gateway and handles about 45% of Australia’s international passengers. Last year more than 10.6 million international passengers passed through the International Terminal.
The Condé Nast Traveller 2009 Readers’ Travel Awards were announced in the October edition of the magazine.
