Adelaide Airport Limited

About Adelaide Airport

Adelaide Airport Limited purchased the operating leases for Adelaide and Parafield Airports in May 1998, to operate both airports for the next 50 years with an option for a further 49 years.

Adelaide Airport is currently the fourth-largest domestic airport and sixth-largest international airport in Australia. It is the aviation gateway to South Australia and processes more than  seven  million passengers annually.

Parafield Airport is South Australia's premier general aviation airport and is a major world standard international training airport.

Adelaide Airport will be a successful, modern, vibrant centre and gateway, promoting the economic benefits and cultural experience of South Australia.

Customer service - critical to our success -  will be provided at the highest levels to our community and stakeholders.

Our people will be continuously developed to provide them with the requisite skills and experience to perform their duties efficiently.

The environment, safety and security remain paramount.

AAL develops and operates Adelaide and Parafield Airports as business enterprises.

We deliver safe and efficient facilities for passengers, aircraft, freight and property services for tenants and retailers, alongside general commercial developments.

We will:

  • conduct ourselves with integrity and in a responsible manner;
  • be efficient and practical;
  • remain open and friendly;
  • be responsive and respectful;
  • consistently behave in a positive manner.

We will thrive:

  • by making timely and effective decisions;
  • by developing innovative solutions;
  • through clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders.

Our Directors are: David Munt (Chairman), Mark Young (Managing Director), Jay Hogan, Anne Howe, Chris McArthur, Alan Mulgrew, Jim Tolhurst and John Ward.

For information outlining ownership of Adelaide Airport Limited, please download this fact sheet.

1927 - 2005

Adelaide's original Commonwealth Government aerodrome, purchased from Captain Harry Butler, was developed in 1921 on just 24 hectares of land at Hendon (the site of the former Philips factory and SA Film Corporation), nine kilometers from the city the aerodrome provided facilities for airmail services between Adelaide and Sydney.

By 1927 Adelaide's aviation needs had grown considerably. The site of today's  Parafield  Airport was acquired and progressively developed. By 1941 it was clear once again that the State's aviation needs had yet again outgrown Parafield. The West Torrens site, also known as West Beach, was chosen for Adelaide Airport.

Work on the new airport began in 1947 with flights commencing in 1954 and the first regular transport services in February 1955. Interestingly, the first passenger terminal was a lean-to on one of the large hangars at the airport. It was not until 1957 that the Commonwealth funded and built what was  designed only to be a temporary passenger terminal, however its use for domestic and regional traffic continued until October 2005.

Regular International services began in November 1982 with the construction of a separate International terminal building to accommodate an influx of overseas visitors.

Terminal One - T1 - October 2005

Construction of the $260 million Adelaide Airport Multi User Integrated Terminal - one of South Australia's largest and most significant privately funded civil infrastructure projects - commenced in November 2003.

Terminal 1 was officially opened by Prime Minister John Howard in October 2005, and provides a considerable upgrade on former airport facilities for regional, domestic and international passengers.

Highlights of Terminal 1 include:

  • 14 glass-sided aerobridges
  • State-of-the-art passenger facilities, flight information and security systems specified for use well into the future;
  • Retail centre and high quality public and airline lounges;
  • 42 common use check-in counters;
  • Nine automated baggage carousels; and
  • Under-cover drop-offs and expanded taxi/bus ranks.

T1 has an extensive retail area featuring a wide range of exclusively South Australian brands. As well as eight food and beverage outlets, the retail mall offers a selection of fashion, gifts, souvenirs, confectionery, newsagencies, currency exchange, ATMs and service outlets including a pharmacy, post office and cosmetic/skin care retail outlets.

T1 was constructed by the privately owned Adelaide Airport Limited, whose shareholders include Australian superannuation funds.

Vickers Vimy and Sir Ross & Sir Keith Smith Memorial

A memorial building at Adelaide Airport commemorates the first official flight from England to Australia - the Air Race of 1919 with Adelaide brothers Ross and Keith Smith. The restored Vickers Vimy converted bomber (Registration G-EAOU) flown by the famous aviators is housed inside the building for public display.

The epic long distance flight was made just 16 years after the Wright Brothers flew the first-ever powered aircraft.

The Vimy crew set out from Hounslow, London on November 12, 1919, and reached Darwin 28 days later to claim the £10,000 Commonwealth Government prize as the first Australians to fly from England to Australia in less than 30 days. The Smith Brothers were knighted by His Majesty, George V, on December 22, 1919. Sir Ross was born at Semaphore and Sir Keith in North Adelaide.

Flying with the Smith Brothers on their epic journey were mechanics Sergeant J. M. Bennett of St Kilda, Victoria, and Sergeant Wally Shiers of Stepney, SA. Both mechanics received bars to their Air Force medals and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

Adelaide Airport and Arts SA worked together to develop the new Vimy Walk - stretching from Terminal 1 to the Memorial building - marking each stopping point that the Vimy made on its epic route to Australia. Don't forget to have a look on your next visit.

This page connects you to a comprehensive summary of statistical data giving you the what, where and when South Australian airfreight is imported or exported to and from the State.

Management Centre office hours are Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 6.00 pm