CANBERRA Airport’s four-year, $420m redevelopment has moved to the next stage of construction.

The foundation stone of the Western Concourse terminal was laid today by Chief Minister Katy Gallagher. The project is believed to have created more than 1200 jobs.

“In November last year we opened the Southern Concourse Terminal and travellers in and out of Canberra have been enjoying the benefits, but that new facility is only the first part of the Canberra Airport AirVolution,” Canberra Airport managing director Stephen Byron said.

“Since its opening, we have focused on the next stage of the ‘AirVolution’ – the old Qantas terminal has been removed, services have been relocated, and plans finalised.

“We are now in the position to launch the new Western Concourse Terminal – this new concourse will mirror the Southern Concourse Terminal with the two terminals being joined by a spectacular glass atrium.

“The focus is all on the passenger with new and additional airline lounges, new aerobridges, a doubling of the passenger screening area, more check-in counters, greater amenities and retail offerings, and with another four-storey car park providing completely covered access to the new terminals.”

This next stage also includes Australia’s first fully enclosed taxi rank featuring television screens and other services.

“This infrastructure will deliver an important economic boost to the Canberra region, continuing to help drive growth in the construction, tourism and transport economies,” he said.

The undercover car park is planned to be competed by March with the entire project expected to be complete by mid 2013 in time for the centenary of Canberra.