SA: Virgin Blue signs on for new Adelaide terminal

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SA: Virgin Blue signs on for new Adelaide terminal

ADELAIDE, Aug 20 AAP - Virgin Blue today signed to be a tenant of a $200 million terminalto be built at Adelaide Airport.

South Australian Premier Mike Rann said he expected construction of the new terminalwould now start early next year and it would open late in 2004.

Qantas signed to be the terminal's other anchor tenant last month.

Mr Rann said the commitment of both airlines had been critical to the new terminal going ahead.

"I am delighted that Virgin Blue have publicly announced and today signed a letterto Adelaide Airport Limited confirming their involvement in the proposed new terminal,"

Mr Rann said in a statement after meeting with Virgin Blue chief executive Brett Godfreyin Brisbane.

"Virgin Blue told me that they will move into the former Ansett terminal in Septemberand remain there on a temporary basis until construction of the new terminal is completed."

Mr Rann said there would now be a "world-class terminal that will incorporate regional,domestic and international airlines rather than the dogs' breakfast that currently existsat Adelaide Airport".

He said some documentation, design and planning issues still needed to be worked throughwith Virgin Blue.

State Opposition Leader Rob Kerin welcomed today's announcement, saying the currentterminal was unacceptable.

"I urge Virgin Airlines and Qantas to finalise an agreement on the terminal to allowbuilding work to start," Mr Kerin said.

AAP scl/mg/br

KEYWORD: AIRPORT