The operators of Perth Airport are aiming to secure direct flights to Tokyo and Shanghai within two years in a bid to boost tourism and exports to the Asian mega-cities.

As Perth Airport this weekend marks 20 years since it was privatised by the Commonwealth, its boss spoke about its expansion plans in the rapidly growing aviation market.

Perth Airport chief executive Kevin Brown said passenger numbers had risen from four million in 1997 to almost 14 million now and this figure was expected to double by 2034.

After the multibillion-dollar overhaul of the airport that has included construction of Virgin Australia’s domestic terminal and a revamp of the international departures area, he said gaining new routes was important.

Play Video Qantas' new new integrated domestic and international passenger precinct at Perth Airport will be completed by early 2018. The West Australian Video Qantas' new new integrated domestic and international passenger precinct at Perth Airport will be completed by early 2018.

At the top of the list were direct flights to Shanghai, a Chinese city of 23 million people with a broader population of 220 million, as well as Tokyo.

He said there were also plans for new services to Vietnam, the Philippines and, in the longer term, India, which should be a key market for WA.

Mr Brown said Tokyo was his priority given the existing strong business links between WA and Japan and the popularity of the destination for local tourists.

Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways are the country’s two major carriers and Mr Brown indicated the airport would be keen to secure their services.

“There are over 95 Japanese companies that have offices in Perth, so there are a lot of people travelling for business, a lot of people who want to travel on holiday and are well connected into Asia,” Mr Brown said.

After Qantas last year agreed to provide nonstop flights from London to Perth using its state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner, work was under way to ensure the service went smoothly.

Play Video Construction is set to commence shortly. The West Australian Video Construction is set to commence shortly.

The deal came after the State provided $14 million in funding for upgrades to terminals 3 and 4 to accommodate international passengers, with the Federal Government also agreeing to underwrite the extra customs and border control costs.

Mr Brown said developing a strategy to capitalise on the tourism opportunities was crucial.

“We’re not actually looking to be a Heathrow, where people are coming in one gate and going straight out the other,” he said.

“We want people to stay and get on the ground and enjoy what we’ve got to offer, because that’s where the economic worth comes from.”