News & Discussion: Adelaide Airport & Airlines

[Jaymz]

What year was this, 2023?

It was March this year.

Did a quick check on the Qatar Airways website last night, and both the Adelaide direct and via Melbourne options are now available each day of the week

[VinyTapestry849]

Different cities have different competitive advantages due to location. I was told recently by a friend who works in defence that one of the main reasons Adelaide has become Australia’s defence hub is due to our remote location on the south coast of the country. We are difficult to attack from the north, west and east as it could easily be picked up by radar. And there is nothing south of us!

True. If we'd had the choice between being a big airport hub or being the epicentre of Australia's defence sector and the $368,000,000,000 billion dollars worth of AUKUS coming our way, I would definitely rather stick with AUKUS submarines rather then a big airport. So much more money coming our way then an airport.


We have truly been blessed with AUKUS in Adelaide. I imagine other states would have fought tooth and nail to have at least been part of this deal. But we got nearly all of it, how good!!

[abc]

Different cities have different competitive advantages due to location. I was told recently by a friend who works in defence that one of the main reasons Adelaide has become Australia’s defence hub is due to our remote location on the south coast of the country. We are difficult to attack from the north, west and east as it could easily be picked up by radar. And there is nothing south of us!

True. If we'd had the choice between being a big airport hub or being the epicentre of Australia's defence sector and the $368,000,000,000 billion dollars worth of AUKUS coming our way, I would definitely rather stick with AUKUS submarines rather then a big airport. So much more money coming our way then an airport.


We have truly been blessed with AUKUS in Adelaide. I imagine other states would have fought tooth and nail to have at least been part of this deal. But we got nearly all of it, how good!!

the big picture is AUKUS is a massive ripoff for the Australian taxpayer to fund the only remaining profit maker for the US economy ...billions on subs that don't arrive for decades when we could've gotten cheaper subs from the French

[VinyTapestry849]

Different cities have different competitive advantages due to location. I was told recently by a friend who works in defence that one of the main reasons Adelaide has become Australia’s defence hub is due to our remote location on the south coast of the country. We are difficult to attack from the north, west and east as it could easily be picked up by radar. And there is nothing south of us!

True. If we'd had the choice between being a big airport hub or being the epicentre of Australia's defence sector and the $368,000,000,000 billion dollars worth of AUKUS coming our way, I would definitely rather stick with AUKUS submarines rather then a big airport. So much more money coming our way then an airport.


We have truly been blessed with AUKUS in Adelaide. I imagine other states would have fought tooth and nail to have at least been part of this deal. But we got nearly all of it, how good!!

the big picture is AUKUS is a massive ripoff for the Australian taxpayer to fund the only remaining profit maker for the US economy ...billions on subs that don't arrive for decades when we could've gotten cheaper subs from the French

Ignorant and stupid statement*

Its a monumental boost for south Australia's economy and manufacturing. A true once in a lifetime opportunity.

Much better then an airport...

[rubberman]

Different cities have different competitive advantages due to location. I was told recently by a friend who works in defence that one of the main reasons Adelaide has become Australia’s defence hub is due to our remote location on the south coast of the country. We are difficult to attack from the north, west and east as it could easily be picked up by radar. And there is nothing south of us!

True. If we'd had the choice between being a big airport hub or being the epicentre of Australia's defence sector and the $368,000,000,000 billion dollars worth of AUKUS coming our way, I would definitely rather stick with AUKUS submarines rather then a big airport. So much more money coming our way then an airport.


We have truly been blessed with AUKUS in Adelaide. I imagine other states would have fought tooth and nail to have at least been part of this deal. But we got nearly all of it, how good!!

the big picture is AUKUS is a massive ripoff for the Australian taxpayer to fund the only remaining profit maker for the US economy ...billions on subs that don't arrive for decades when we could've gotten cheaper subs from the French

I fully agree.

[abc]

True. If we'd had the choice between being a big airport hub or being the epicentre of Australia's defence sector and the $368,000,000,000 billion dollars worth of AUKUS coming our way, I would definitely rather stick with AUKUS submarines rather then a big airport. So much more money coming our way then an airport.


We have truly been blessed with AUKUS in Adelaide. I imagine other states would have fought tooth and nail to have at least been part of this deal. But we got nearly all of it, how good!!

the big picture is AUKUS is a massive ripoff for the Australian taxpayer to fund the only remaining profit maker for the US economy ...billions on subs that don't arrive for decades when we could've gotten cheaper subs from the French

Ignorant and stupid statement*

Its a monumental boost for south Australia's economy and manufacturing. A true once in a lifetime opportunity.

Much better then an airport...

there you go again...

[rev]

1000% on Singapore improving their connections to Europe from Adelaide. They used to offer a complimentary hotel & taxi from/to the airport/hotel for layovers in Singapore. They should re-introduce this. I don't think Qatar or Emirates offer this. Would be a good point of difference between them particularly given the extra hours spent from Singapore to Europe as opposed Doha to Europe.

The complimentary hotel and taxi won't come back. It hasn't been available for a while now. I used to get many layovers on the return flights from Europe. The last free anything they gave me was access to the Ambassadors Transit Lounge in T3 even though I could have refused it as I had Star Alliance Gold and could've used the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge in T3 (this before it was moved and renovated). I actually went to both lounges. While the Gold Lounge was being renovated we had access to the Marhaba Lounge just up the road. Anyhow when Singapore Airlines ramps up the second flight long layovers should be a thing of the past but they need to do this daily because three flights will not be good for all European cities flying back to Oz (and vice versa). Rome is one. I flew to Rome in January this year with only a three hour stop over but if I want to do this again when they reintroduce SQ276 there is no point I would have to fly SQ278 and layover nearly 11 hours. The same the other way round I would need to stay all day in Singapore at my own expense as there is no SQ277 to Adelaide with a two hour layover. I haven't checked other European cities and which ones are affected like Rome. I know Amsterdam and London are fine as there have daily flights with London several flights a day. I'm flying to Amsterdam later this year and returning from Brussels. So when you book here you have the option of SQ277 or SQ279 returning to ADL. Since there will be some jet lag if I come back with SQ277 I will stop in Singapore and relax then come back on SQ279. With twice daily flights travellers will have a better choice. The sooner this happens the better.

Cheers

Yeh agreed they certainly wont bring it back, more a personal wish/hope of mine lol.
Surprised though they haven't really improved their offering for Europe given the last few years the European summer has seen record numbers of tourists over there particularly in the Med. regions.
Maybe it's just Adelaide that misses out though.
Wish AAL would partner up with Changi or draw some inspiration from them and give us something more then a a glorified industrial warehouse for a terminal.
Put that long established SIA relationship to use, who knows maybe draw in some investment from Singapore's huge sovereign funds particularly the three quarter trillion (US)dollar GIC. Surely with AAL wanting to establish their business park as part of the masterplan they can work something out.

[Ho Really]

Yeh agreed they certainly wont bring it back, more a personal wish/hope of mine lol.

There have been times when I wish too this was available. I remember one time only my wife and I were given free hotel accommodation because we booked Economy Standard fare (W class) and the kids no because we got them cheaper tickets. So we had to pay for their accommodation.

Surprised though they haven't really improved their offering for Europe given the last few years the European summer has seen record numbers of tourists over there particularly in the Med. regions.

Two cities they should upgrade to full service are Athens and Berlin and drop the long haul Scoot flights. Many Greeks would love to fly Singapore Airlines to Athens. Imagine daily flights to there. I mean the potential for tourism as well obviously more to Greece than Australia, but then again we do have a huge number of Greeks here not just SA but Melbourne, Sydney etc., so you'd think why not those daily flights?

Maybe it's just Adelaide that misses out though.

Adelaide misses out because of the lack of the second daily flight. The second flight would make a huge difference.

Wish AAL would partner up with Changi or draw some inspiration from them and give us something more then a a glorified industrial warehouse for a terminal.
Put that long established SIA relationship to use, who knows maybe draw in some investment from Singapore's huge sovereign funds particularly the three quarter trillion (US)dollar GIC. Surely with AAL wanting to establish their business park as part of the masterplan they can work something out.

Now here you are proposing something interesting. Who knows if they'd invest into AAL. It's possible they are already talking to each other via SIA.

As for the terminal we can't complain too much. Of course some things could be better but I think when the expansion goes ahead more domestic flights will be moved away from the international area of T1 and the pax flow will be improved further. Some ideas can be taken from T3 in Changi.

Cheers

[Norman]

I think there would be some strict rules about foreign investment into Australia's airports. I believe a few superfunds own Adelaide Airport?

[VinyTapestry849]

Brand New QANTAS Lounge Precinct Announced for Adelaide

“Good things come to those who wait”, the saying goes – and by that standard, Adelaide’s new Qantas lounges should be very good indeed.

As previously reported by Executive Traveller, there’s a total make-over for the Qantas Club at Adelaide’s domestic airport, along with the ‘secret’ members-only Qantas Chairman’s Lounge, and an all-new Qantas Business Lounge is also on the way.

And yes, Qantas is behind the clock on all this. Adelaide’s lounge overhaul, first announced in August 2022, promised the redevelopment would “begin in the second half of 2023” with the new Qantas Business Lounge due to “open in stages from 2024.”

While necessary preparation’s been going on behind the scenes, the real work – the stuff passengers and the public can see – is getting underway this month. What will eventually emerge will be a ‘Qantas Adelaide lounge precinct’, along the same lines as at Brisbane’s domestic terminal, with room for 570 travellers and guests across all three lounges. Here’s the latest.

Adelaide Qantas Club

The first stage of the project includes a revamp of the Qantas Club, with construction finally set to begin this month, Qantas says.

Throughout the construction phase, the existing Qantas Club will remain open from one hour prior to the first Qantas-operated domestic flight out of Adelaide until the last departure.

However, travellers are certain to be impacted as lounge capacity is temporary reduced – so as one interim measure, Qantas will open a ‘Grab and Go’ station serving barista coffee and ‘premium breakfast options’ during busy morning peak travel times if the lounges reach capacity.

The current timetable sees the Adelaide Qantas Club expected to fully re-open in mid-November 2024.

And while it will be physically smaller, due to space being shaved off to accommodate the new Qantas Business Lounge, the airline says “through the redesign of currently under-utilised spaces, the total seating capacity will increase by more than 10%.”

“We’re installing extra seating throughout the precinct to provide more space to work,” says Qantas Executive Manager for Product and Service, Phil Capps.

In addition, “around 80% of seats will have access to power stations and device ports so customers can easily charge up before their flight.”

Adelaide Qantas Business Lounge

Of course, what business class passengers and Qantas Platinum and Qantas Platinum One frequent flyers have been waiting for is the debut of the Qantas Business Lounge at Adelaide.

The lack of a business class lounge has made The City of Churches a noticeable exception in the Qantas domestic lounge network, as the mainland’s only state capital without a dedicated Qantas Business Lounge.

That’s set to change, as the Adelaide loungescape gains a brand new Qantas Business Lounge with a capacity of almost 200 travellers.

No surprise, however, that the arrival of this lounge has also been delayed: Qantas now says the Adelaide Qantas Business Lounge will “welcome its first customers in mid-2025.”

Those visitors can look forward to a design “which takes inspiration from Kangaroo Island’s Flinders Chase National Park.”

Concept images shared with Executive Traveller reveal a spacious open-plan footprint featuring an oversized near-circular bar flanked by high work benches on one side and a series of lounges on the other.

Qantas says the interiors of Adelaide’s new Qantas Club and Qantas Business Lounge “will be inspired by the beauty of South Australia, drawing from the state’s landscapes, culture and iconic food and flavours.”

Adding to the local touch which gives each set of Qantas lounges their distinct flavour and character, the furniture, lighting and natural materials will all be“South Australian-sourced.”

“Our local design philosophy means the new Adelaide Lounge Precinct will celebrate the best of South Australia,” Qantas exec Capps says.

“From the furnishing and artworks through to the premium food and beverages, we want to give our customers a taste of South Australia every time they fly with us.”

Adelaide Qantas Chairman’s Lounge

Then there’s the lounge which Qantas doesn’t like to talk about: the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge.

These lounges are discrete havens for member of this invitation-only program – including politicians and power-brokers, execs from the top end of town and big spenders on Qantas flights, along with assorted celebs.

Like the Qantas Club, the Adelaide Chairman’s Lounge has seen better days – it’s not scrappy by any stretch, of course, it’s just tired and dated, and certainly falls short of the standard set by the other capital city Chairman’s Lounges, especially the flagship at Brisbane designed by David Caon.

It’s not known if Caon will be lending his talents to the Adelaide Chairman’s Lounge, which was previously slated for a full upgrade for 2025.

[rev]

Yeh agreed they certainly wont bring it back, more a personal wish/hope of mine lol.

There have been times when I wish too this was available. I remember one time only my wife and I were given free hotel accommodation because we booked Economy Standard fare (W class) and the kids no because we got them cheaper tickets. So we had to pay for their accommodation.

Surprised though they haven't really improved their offering for Europe given the last few years the European summer has seen record numbers of tourists over there particularly in the Med. regions.

Two cities they should upgrade to full service are Athens and Berlin and drop the long haul Scoot flights. Many Greeks would love to fly Singapore Airlines to Athens. Imagine daily flights to there. I mean the potential for tourism as well obviously more to Greece than Australia, but then again we do have a huge number of Greeks here not just SA but Melbourne, Sydney etc., so you'd think why not those daily flights?

Maybe it's just Adelaide that misses out though.

Adelaide misses out because of the lack of the second daily flight. The second flight would make a huge difference.

Wish AAL would partner up with Changi or draw some inspiration from them and give us something more then a a glorified industrial warehouse for a terminal.
Put that long established SIA relationship to use, who knows maybe draw in some investment from Singapore's huge sovereign funds particularly the three quarter trillion (US)dollar GIC. Surely with AAL wanting to establish their business park as part of the masterplan they can work something out.

Now here you are proposing something interesting. Who knows if they'd invest into AAL. It's possible they are already talking to each other via SIA.

As for the terminal we can't complain too much. Of course some things could be better but I think when the expansion goes ahead more domestic flights will be moved away from the international area of T1 and the pax flow will be improved further. Some ideas can be taken from T3 in Changi.

Cheers

The Scoot flights are what put me off flying Adelaide-Singapore-Athens. Used to be SIA the whole way through.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but depending where you land be it Athens or Thessaloniki, they fly via Germany, Turkey and I think Italy and the UK? I don't think any of the options are for Singapore flights all the way through, but partner airlines like Turkish Airlines and I think I may have seen a few with Aegean and Lufthansa.
This in particular, that it's either Scoot for the long haul or that you have to jump on some other airline at some point, is what keeps me from using SIA more often when going to Europe. I'd much rather use them instead of one of the Arab airlines.

I think there would be some strict rules about foreign investment into Australia's airports. I believe a few superfunds own Adelaide Airport?

Didn't think of that. Why would it be different though to our shipping ports? Port of Melbourne for example.
I could be wrong, but I believe we have a strong relationship with them? We should be leveraging that. It actually surprises me we don't do more business with Singapore.

[Ho Really]

The Scoot flights are what put me off flying Adelaide-Singapore-Athens. Used to be SIA the whole way through.

You aren't the only one. A good friend of mine who goes to Greece nearly every year will not consider Scoot from SIN to ATH. Of course there are few that will but if you gave them full service they'd jump.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but depending where you land be it Athens or Thessaloniki, they fly via Germany, Turkey and I think Italy and the UK? I don't think any of the options are for Singapore flights all the way through, but partner airlines like Turkish Airlines and I think I may have seen a few with Aegean and Lufthansa.

This in particular, that it's either Scoot for the long haul or that you have to jump on some other airline at some point, is what keeps me from using SIA more often when going to Europe. I'd much rather use them instead of one of the Arab airlines.

Correct. All the codeshare are via airports in those countries. What you could try is fly to any destination where both Aegean Airlines and Singapore Airlines fly to (not Singapore unfortunately) and make it two hops to Athens. Dubai and Istanbul are your best bets. Problem with the Dubai flight (SQ 494) is that it departs SIN at 15:10 the same time SQ278 arrives at Changi from ADL. So you'd have to fly in with SQ276 (when available later this year) and overnight in Singapore. Not ideal. Istanbul much better times at 01:45 on MON, WED, THU, FRI and SUN. Then more flights with either Turkish and Aegean from IST to ATH.

Question is would you want to transit at these airports?

Cheers

[VinyTapestry849]

Brand New QANTAS Lounge Precinct Announced for Adelaide ...

So apparently none of you care about this multi-million dollar upgrade to the qantas lounge complex, which will be one of, if not the best QANTAS lounge complex in Australia??

I posted it above with renders, or have you all just missed the message?

[Ho Really]

Brand New QANTAS Lounge Precinct Announced for Adelaide ...

So apparently none of you care about this multi-million dollar upgrade to the qantas lounge complex, which will be one of, if not the best QANTAS lounge complex in Australia??

I posted it above with renders, or have you all just missed the message?

I'll give you my worth. I don't really care about what QANTAS does. Good or bad. I may have flown them only once in my life (can't remember if it was them or Australian Airlines) way back in mid eighties. No issues with those flights. However they will never be my first choice. So this upgrade doesn't interest me personally. It might be good for others and of course the airport.

Cheers

[Nort]

Brand New QANTAS Lounge Precinct Announced for Adelaide ...

So apparently none of you care about this multi-million dollar upgrade to the qantas lounge complex, which will be one of, if not the best QANTAS lounge complex in Australia??

I posted it above with renders, or have you all just missed the message?

Yay for QANTAS and their business travelers.