Perth Airport has officially moved its historic infrastructure overhaul into the delivery phase by appointing global engineering, construction, and project management firm Bechtel as its Capital Portfolio Partner. This strategic collaboration is central to realizing the airport’s ambitious “One Airport” vision, a massive consolidation and expansion program valued at approximately AUD 5 billion (USD 3.4 billion). Under the new agreement, Bechtel will fully integrate with the Perth Airport team to manage the execution of a complex suite of capital projects designed to transform the gateway into a world-class aviation hub.

The cornerstone of the expansion is the consolidation of all commercial air services into a single, unified zone known as the Airport Central precinct. Currently, the airport operates with split terminals that are geographically separated by the runway, creating logistical friction for passengers and airlines. The new plan involves the construction of a major new domestic terminal and the significant expansion of the existing international Terminal 1. This infrastructure will facilitate the relocation of Qantas Group operations to the central precinct by 2031, streamlining connections between domestic and international flights and eliminating the need for inter-terminal bus transfers.

Perth Airport Expansion: Factsheet

Project Name: “One Airport” Expansion Program

Location: Perth Airport (PER), Western Australia

Total Program Value: ~AUD 5 Billion (~USD 3.4 Billion)

Implementation Partner: Bechtel (Capital Portfolio Partner)

Key Contractors & Partners:

Runway Construction: Skyway Joint Venture (BMD Group & CPB Contractors)

Hotel Operator: Accor (Pullman Hotels & Resorts)

Terminal Design: Woods Bagot

Major Infrastructure Components:

New Parallel Runway: 3,000 meters long, 45 meters wide (Completion: ~2028).

Terminal Consolidation: New domestic terminal and expanded international facilities (Completion: ~2031).

Accommodation: 237-room Pullman Hotel (Construction starts mid-2026).

Ground Transport: Two new multi-storey car parks and road upgrades.

Strategic Goals:

Consolidate all commercial flight services to Airport Central.

Increase annual passenger capacity to 20 million by 2030.

Facilitate Qantas Group relocation to main precinct.

To support the projected growth in passenger numbers—forecast to reach 20 million annually by 2030—the program includes the construction of a new parallel runway. The 3,000-meter-long strip will be built by the Skyway Joint Venture, a partnership between BMD Group and CPB Contractors, with Bechtel overseeing the integration of these works into the broader airport operations. This new runway is a critical asset for the resources sector and tourism alike, providing the necessary operational resilience and flight capacity to minimize delays and support more direct routes into Western Australia.

Enhancing the Passenger Experience and Access

Beyond the airside and terminal upgrades, the “One Airport” program aims to radically improve the ground experience for travelers. The expansion includes the construction of two new multi-storey car parks and extensive upgrades to the surrounding road network to ease congestion at drop-off and pick-up points. Furthermore, the precinct will welcome its first on-site hotel, a 237-room Pullman Hotel operated by Accor. Scheduled to begin construction in mid-2026, the hotel will provide premium accommodation directly adjacent to the terminals, catering to transit passengers and business travelers.

“We need to deliver multiple major construction projects in an operational environment at a time when our passenger numbers are continuing to grow rapidly,” said Jason Waters, CEO of Perth Airport. “Bechtel will work side-by-side with our team, providing specialist advice and supporting the delivery of our complex and ambitious infrastructure program.” This partnership ensures that the massive construction works will be delivered safely and efficiently without disrupting the airport’s critical 24/7 operations.

The project represents the largest private infrastructure investment in Perth’s history and is expected to drive significant economic growth for the region. Richard Freer, Bechtel’s Managing Director of Public Infrastructure in Australia, emphasized the importance of the project, stating that his team would work as one with Perth Airport to deliver a modern gateway that strengthens the economy—a vision of expanded connectivity that mirrors the Concourse B and Underpass inside the $5B plan to transform Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. By consolidating terminals and expanding capacity, Perth Airport is positioning itself to become a dominant aviation hub for the Indo-Pacific region.