Melbourne Airport is introducing a network of buggies and powered wheelchairs to help people move around the 1,863-hectare precinct.
Describing it as an Australian first, the airport said the Melbourne Airport Assist service would integrate with existing airline support processes to ensure staff were available to help travellers at all stages of their journeys.
An airport spokesperson said the buggies and wheelchairs would operate outside the terminals, which already have support services, including to and from the car parks and between terminals, extending a service that began with a four month trial.
“This is more about the missing link,” he told Azzet.
The service has been launched ahead of the school holiday period, with the airport expecting more than two million people over two weeks, including almost 250,000 on the two days before the Australian Football League Grand Final on 27 September.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said Melbourne Airport Assist would help improve accessibility for people with mobility needs.
“Airports can be stressful places and for some people, simply getting in and out of the terminal doors is a challenge, so we’re happy to be able to provide this industry-leading service,” Argus said in a media release.
“We need to ensure the airport is not a barrier to people moving around the country, and we’re proud to have worked with airlines and travellers with lived experiences to deliver a service that meets their needs.”
Australia’s second busiest airport after Sydney, Melbourne released figures showing passenger numbers (excluding transits) increased 4.3% to 6.185 million in the two months to 31 August as domestic numbers rose 4.4% to 4.182 million and international numbers rose 4.1% to 2.003 million.
The growth was not quite as strong in August alone, with passenger numbers increasing 3.6% to 2.990 million as domestic numbers rose 3.4% to 2.029 million and international 4.1% to 960,907.
The airport is finalising a $4 billion (US$2.66 billion) international terminal expansion, about to start building a third runway and midway through a $500 million international baggage upgrade.
Melbourne Airport is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC), which is in turn owned by Dexus (27.32%), IFM Investors (25.17%), Future Fund (20.34%), SAS Trustee Corporation (18.47%) and Utilities of Australia/(8.70%).
