Queensland Airports Limited welcomes new Chairman

by The Airport Professional June 14, 2019

Queensland Airports Limited welcomes new Chairman

Experienced business executive and non-executive Chairman and director John O’Neill AO has been appointed Chairman of the Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) board following a national search. Mr O’Neill joins the company at the beginning of the crucial delivery phase for its capital program, which is now underway. “A significant terminal expansion is now being delivered on the Gold Coast, and project plans are being reviewed for Townsville Airport,” O'Neill said. “These major projects ...

by The Airport Professional June 14, 2019

“People just keep on coming to Tassie” – Hobart Airport passenger numbers set to double

Hobart Airport is expecting to almost double its annual passenger numbers over the next decade with strong international and domestic interest in one of Australia’s fastest growing tourist destinations. The airport has averaged in excess of five per cent growth from domestic flights alone over the last five years. Almost two-thirds of all visitors to Tasmania arrive through Hobart Airport, which is becoming increasingly popular in the eyes of travellers for its ...

by The Airport Professional June 14, 2019

Featured , Regional airports , Safety & security

Securing regional airports’ future

A senate committee report on regional airfares released last week uncovered the complexity that comes with delivering air services on a small scale. The frustration of regional residents was evident throughout the inquiry, as poor economies of scale have resulted in little competition between airlines, and less choice of when to fly and at what cost. Those same economies of scale are at the heart of the challenges faced by regional airports, ...

by The Airport Professional June 12, 2019

Airport people

In Profile: Sarah Duncan

Despite growing up around a father who was a full-time electrician and a keen pilot, Sarah never dreamt she’d be carving out a successful career as an aviation electrician. After working at Canberra Airport for more than nine years, Sarah is loving the role and the challenges it brings. There are still many more men than females in this field of work and Sarah hopes for more diversity in the ...

by The Airport Professional June 7, 2019

Featured , Major airports

Sydney Airport launches Reconciliation Action Plan

When it comes to the tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal history, there are few areas more significant than Botany Bay. It was here that James Cook had his encounter with the Gweagal people in what would become the prelude to European settlement. It was also here in 1919 that aviation pioneer Nigel Love would establish an aircraft manufacturing facility that a year later would become the Mascot Aerodrome. Those two key ...

by The Airport Professional May 30, 2019

Featured , Tourism & trade

Runway paves way for Sunshine Coast revolution

The release of Sunshine Coast Airport’s Master Plan 2040 reveals an exciting future for the region. Passenger numbers are expected to more than double in the next 20 years to three million, unlocking tourism and economic benefits to support the region’s long-term prosperity. Much of the opportunity ahead will be made possible by the airport’s new runway, which is now under construction. The project is a good example of targeted investment to deliver ...

by The Airport Professional May 29, 2019

Featured , Safety & security , Technology & innovation

Airservices plans for next generation of fire-fighting

Recently returned Airservices Australia executive Rob Porter is on a mission to modernise the nation’s aviation rescue and fire-fighting services and take them from “the Flintstones to the Jetsons”. The former general manager of Mackay Airport and deputy chair of the Australian Airports Association board returned to Airservices in January as executive general manager aviation rescue and fire fighting (ARFF), after 11 years away. One of his first acts was to issue ...

by The Airport Professional May 23, 2019

Featured , Major airports

Local demand drives Canberra growth plans

Three months into his new job as head of aviation at Canberra Airport, Michael Thomson is keen to make the most of the opportunities he sees at a facility he has long admired as a traveller. Thomson sees an airport with the capacity to cope with double its current passenger throughput and opportunities to spark growth in areas such as low-cost travel, international services and freight. “We have a fantastic facility,’’ he ...

by The Airport Professional May 17, 2019

News Bites

Sydney Airport provides navigation service for visually impaired

Sydney Airport has launched a new partnership with Aira, a service that enables blind and low vision travellers to confidently navigate the airport through a smartphone connection. The service will provide visually impaired visitors and passengers with instant access to the information they need to explore Sydney Airport’s terminals. Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said the launch was part of a broader commitment to continue to improve accessibility at the airport. “This new ...

by The Airport Professional May 13, 2019

Regional airports

Emerald vision for regional service hub

Emerald Airport is getting primed for a return to growth after the mining boom, with Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC) embarking on a new program to meet community needs. The airport, an important gateway for the local resources and agricultural industries, is getting a major facelift that includes a $13 million runway and apron overlay project as well as a major makeover of its general aviation facilities. It caters for a variety ...