Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese says the terminal, which opened its arrivals atrium and Virgin lounge on Wednesday coinciding with Canberra Centenary celebrations, is one of the best.

"What we are seeing is this airport is at least as good and arguably developing into the best in the country and that is a good thing for the national capital."

Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti, says it is the most modern and most recent beneficial infrastructure in Australia.

Property developer Terry Snow bought the airport lease in 1998 for $65 million aiming to turn it into the world's best small airport.

His son Stephen Byron, the airport group's managing director says the $480 million project's near completion marks a milestone.

"Yesterday Canberra celebrated her 100th birthday and today we come of age with a gateway that befits the national capital of a modern, sophisticated and innovative nation."

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher could not let the opening pass without pressing Canberra's claims for direct international flights.

Canberra had more than 163,000 international visitors last year, many from New Zealand and Ms Gallagher is confident this number will rise with direct flights.

Mr Borghetti would not commit Virgin to direct flights.

"At some point, some airline will do it, but I'm not going to tell you what my plans are."

He says for the first time in over a decade Australians will have a choice when it comes to competition in business class travel in and out of the capital.

All 18 aircraft in the Embraer fleet have now been fitted out with a business class cabin, luxury leather seats and newly configured seating design.

Ms Gallagher says the terminal's public art is fabulous, the arrivals area is spacious, the departure lounges are comfortable and easy to use and covered-in taxi stand will shelter travellers from winter's chill and unseasonal heat in autumn.