While Virgin Blue is preparing for the A330-200 to join its fleet--the first aircraft arrived in Melbourne last Saturday--with announcements about the new business class seat (or "chair" as it was labeled in a press kit), preparations are also underway at Sydney airport's terminal two, where the aircraft will operate from on runs to Perth.The A330 will initially park at T2's gate 40, which sports new tarmac parking markings (right), and later gate 39, an airport spokesman says. "There are some relatively minor works required to make Bay 39 available for A330s and this will be done as needed."
Gates 40 and 39 are located at the very end of Virgin Blue's main pier at T2 and, based on one writer's visit, won't seat a full A330's passenger load. Perhaps Virgin Blue is banking on most passengers waiting in its newly-announced lounge. For those finding themselves waiting in the area, there is a cafe/bar area with powerpoints but few powerpoints elsewhere in the area.
Additional gates could be utilised pending Virgin Blue's request, the spokesman says. "Depending on demand, there are other options but for now expect to see the A330s in T2 on Bays 40 and 39."
In the long term, the airport's 2009 master plan "envisages the facilitation of Code E (such as A330) operation on the proposed T2 Pier C and additional operations on a further Pier A extension," the spokesman says.
For another view of gate 40, see Google Maps below. The 737 pictured is at gate 40.
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