Sydney Airport launches global tender for billion-dollar infrastructure overhaul

A rendering of what the Terminal expansion could look like. Image: Sydney airport

The new procurement framework marks a shift from Sydney Airport’s traditional approach of appointing consultants on a project-by-project basis. Firms participating in the new framework will instead partner with the airport across its entire pipeline of infrastructure projects, supporting the design and delivery of major upgrades that will enhance capacity, improve efficiency and elevate the passenger experience.

Sydney Airport is also calling for tenders for an architectural design and engineering firm to support the development of the landmark terminal upgrade project, which will link the T2 and T3 domestic terminals to create a seamless passenger experience.

The new T2-T3 terminal project will be one of the largest and most complex infrastructure developments ever undertaken at the airport, improving connectivity between terminals, unlocking capacity, improving efficiency for airlines and supporting future growth.

The T2-T3 link will involve the construction of new terminal space and 12 new swing gates for both domestic and international operations. Bringing international services to the current domestic precinct will increase the efficiency of the airport and ensure Sydney Airport reaches its Master Plan forecast of 72 million passengers annually by 2045.

Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport CEO, said, “This tender marks an important step in delivering our 2045 Master Plan vision. We’re investing significantly over the next five years and we want to lock in long-term partnerships with world class firms that understand our operations and our ambitions for service and efficiency.”

It was added that the airport will be submitting more major development applications over the next five years than in the last 20 years.

The request for tender process opened this week, with successful tenderers for both the new panel and the T2-T3 terminal project expected to be announced in December, ahead of public consultation on the preliminary draft Major Development Plan for the terminal expansion.