Both passengers and airlines are generally satisfied with services and facilities at Sydney Airport, according to a report issued today by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
The third annual ACCC Regulatory Report for Sydney Airport, covering the 2000-2001 financial year, showed an improvement in quality of service over the past three years.
"This confirms the favourable impact of substantial new investment programs undertaken by Sydney Airport in the lead-up to the Olympic Games", ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels, said.
The quality of service results were measured by passenger surveys which examined airport facilities and services, including check-in waiting time, space in the gate lounge, cleanliness of the washrooms and baggage collection wait time.
"Passengers are benefiting from the additional infrastructure at Sydney Airport. There's more seating at gate lounges, more aerobridges and more check-in desks".
The report, issued at the Airports and Aviation Outlook 2001 Conference in Sydney, also presented results on prices monitoring and accounts reporting.
The prices monitoring section of the report showed an increase in Sydney Airport's revenue from ancillary activities, such as car parking, in line with costs.
Overall, the airport increased its earnings for the year June 2001 to $131 million before interest and tax, from $120 million in the previous year. The year to June 2001 included higher landing charges for one month. On an after-tax basis earnings decreased from $42 million to $22 million due to higher borrowing costs and income tax.