Qantas customers are set to benefit from smoother connections and improved facilities at Perth Airport with construction to begin on a new integrated domestic and international passenger hub.

A new international wing, will be located within the existing T3/T4 area.

It will feature a large outdoor deck with alfresco seating, a streamlined immigration and customs area to enable a faster transfer experience, additional food and beverage outlets and a new Duty Free store.

Qantas Group chief executive Alan Joyce said all of the airline’s domestic flights, as well as services to Singapore, Auckland and London, would operate from the new facility.

“Perth will become the western hub for our international services to the United Kingdom and potentially other European destinations in the future,” Joyce said.

“Combining all of our operations under one roof means customers can transfer from domestic to international services without changing terminals.

“The new design allows for an outdoor space and natural sunlight, which is something we know our customers will value ahead of a long haul flight.

“It’s fair to say there’s been a huge amount of excitement about the launch of our non-stop services from Perth to London, and we’re delighted to be working with the State Government and Perth Airport to encourage overseas visitors to stopover in Perth.”

Qantas will also construct a new International Transit Lounge that will provide a space for customers to relax and refresh between flights.

The transit lounge will offer more than a dozen shower suites, space to refresh and a wellness facility.

The outdoor patio provides fresh air and natural light, with a barbeque grill and Neil Perry designed Australian-style BBQ menu.

The International Transit Lounge has been designed for customers transiting in Perth when travelling on QF9 from Melbourne to London and QF10 from London to Melbourne.

Perth customers will also have access to the lounge.

Perth Airport chief executive Kevin Brown welcomed the announcement of the new passenger facilities.

“There’s already been so much hard work done by the Perth Airport and Qantas teams on this project and it’s incredibly exciting that we can now see the vision taking shape for what will be a world class transit lounge,” he said.

The International Transit Lounge has been designed as a collaboration between leading firm SUMU Design and award-winning Australian industrial designer David Caon, who is also the lead designer for the interiors of the Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Preparatory works have begun with the project to be completed by March next year, in time for the inaugural non-stop services between Perth and London.