TTF welcomes ACCC recognition of airports’ service quality

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has today released its annual Airport Monitoring Report for 2013-14. The report found Brisbane Airport continues to lead the way and that Sydney Airport has scored the most significant improvement on its passenger quality rating.

The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) has welcomed the report, noting the importance of our airports in the experience of visiting and travelling around Australia. Chief Executive Margy Osmond said: “For every visitor to Australia, our airports are the very first experience of life Down Under, so it is incredibly important we get that welcome right.

“Airports help support more than half a million tourism jobs. With passenger numbers forecast to double by 2030, the investments they are making will power Australia’s future visitor economy.

“If we are to remain competitive and continue to increase the number of overseas visitors to Australia, all of our airports must strive to provide the best possible service.

“It is pleasing to see Sydney Airport, the most popular point of entry for visitors to Australia, showing significant improvement. Sydney Airport is investing in over $1.2 billion in infrastructure upgrades over the next five years that will greatly improve ground transport at the airport and make getting to and from the airport easier.

“Improving access to Sydney Airport for visitors, locals and business travels is an absolute must, and it is good to see the changes already having a positive impact.

“Brisbane Airport has been a consistent high achiever and was the only airport covered to achieve an overall quality service rating of ‘good’. Brisbane has also received the highest average passenger ratings of quality of service in each of the past five years and the highest average airline rating of quality service for four consecutive years.

“Brisbane airport has outlined a $3.8 billion investment program to be rolled out over the next decade. These improvements will focus on new technology and facilities that will improve the customer experience even further than today’s report highlights have already been made.

“Queensland is the symbolic home of Australian tourism and one of the most popular domestic travel destinations. It’s so important that they get the welcome right and as this report shows, they are leading the nation,” Mrs Osmond said.