People of BNE: We’re ready to welcome you back

If there is one thing we’ve been reminded of in 2020, it is that teamwork really does make the dream work, even in the most uncertain of times.

We’ve worked together with our airlines, retailers, screening officers and cleaners along with police, government and health officials to keep the lights on at Brisbane Airport and ensure this airport is a safe place for everyone to work and visit.

Despite border restrictions, Brisbane’s domestic network remains the best connected in the country. It paves the way for well-deserved long weekends away exploring the rest of our state (and some of Australia) while keeping Queensland’s regions and industries connected to the city and the rest of the world.

This is Team BNE in motion. And we are more than ready to welcome you back.

Tim Williams, Major Assemblies Controller, Alliance Airlines

How has the aviation industry changed? 

“I’ve worked at the Brisbane Airport precinct since 1995, with a brief hiatus in 2001 due to another downturn in the aviation industry and it has always been a dynamic, constantly evolving industry where there is always more you can learn about aircraft and how to operate them. Right now, all efforts are being made to ensure your flight is a safe and comfortable experience and Alliance has maintained operations throughout the current COVID-19 crisis, adapting our onboard and cleaning processes for the changed requirements.”

Jarrad Creed, Guest Services Coordinator, Virgin Australia

What has changed in your day to day working at BNE?

 "Being one of the hardest hit industries and adjusting to a new normal way of working has been a real learning curve. Everyday requires ensuring that we remain vigilant with COVID-19 safety procedures and operational changes to ensure we’re giving the best consistent service across the domestic network. When I walk down to an aircraft to ensure the crew are prepared for departure, they’re busy cleaning the touch points with antibacterial spray and making sure there are enough passenger hygiene kits available at the boarding gate. Teamwork has played a paramount role in these times of change and I work hard to ensure that when I finish my shift I can go home knowing that I’ve done my best to keep everyone travelling safe."

Derrick Sanders, Airport Protection Officer, ISS Facilities

How are you getting ready to welcome passengers back?

"Every day is different, with new passengers travelling and coming back to the airport, my role is always adjusting to the circumstances that is presented each day. As a mentor to the other officers, I’m always attentive of any unsafe conditions for myself and those around me and constantly communicating between staff and the local police, army, health care workers, and SES. It has been great working with everyone to ensure the COVID guidelines are being followed when travelling through the airport.”

Debbie Szkutenko, Retail Sales Manager, [email protected]

What do you want passengers to know if they are thinking about travelling again?

"Do it! We may be limited in our destinations, but Queensland is an amazing state so take the opportunity to explore it. Of course, they should drop into one of our great stores on their way out because we have everything they need for their journey for the little kids and the big ones too!”

“There is never a dull moment here. The saying “retail is retail” really doesn’t apply in an airport environment. Our customers are such a diverse lot, all with a different reason for being here, all with a different story to tell we are fortunate to meet so many different personalities each day. The atmosphere of the airport is totally different to main-stream retail, it’s fast and it’s exciting. It is ever changing.”

• Pop into one of the [email protected] stores throughout the Domestic Terminal for last minute forgot-to-pack items or a book to read on your flight.  

Mason Harman, Barista, Coffee Royal

What is the most important thing you've learnt working at BNE during COVID?

"Working in hospitality it’s actually been quite easy to adapt to the new COVID safe plans, as there has always been an emphasis on cleanliness and food handling safety. We have sanitising stations at all our venues next to the registers, great cleaning staff who make sure that all the seating areas are looked after, and we now have a sign in website for those who dine in at our restaurants."

"All of the airport staff here have had the time to ensure everything is safe and clean, from the security at check in to those of us selling coffees upstairs. It may be quieter than usual, but that just means you won’t be spending as much time waiting in line at security, and you’ll be on your flight in no time."

• Grab a coffee (or a wine) before you fly from Coffee Royal at the Domestic Terminal.

Andy Bauer, Base Manager and Pilot, Virgin Australia

How is your role different to a typical day?

"There is no such thing as a typical day in my world. We have realised how important the ability to travel is. We see the emotion when disconnected guests finally get to reunite with their loved ones or even just return home. This underpins our crew’s behaviour to operate in a COVID safe way to make sure we can keep doing that. In terms of travel, pilots and cabin crew have new behaviours to adopt like wearing masks, self-isolation and other requirements that vary from State to State. Be assured that the COVID transmission risk in the aircraft is very low. We wouldn’t fly ourselves if we thought otherwise."

So, if you're ready to travel, the People of BNE are ready to welcome you back.

CREDITS

• Feature image by: Welcome back to BNE, it’s time to fly | Photo by Sarah Whyte Photography
• For the latest and most up to date travel advice:
• Travel information including transiting between flights and terminals hit up our travel alert page for the latest.
• Travel well tips - what you can expect when you are next travelling through Brisbane Airport.
• Explore what’s open at the Domestic Terminal right now.
• Research flight deals and destination inspiration direct from BNE.