Hobart Airport to soar thanks to $40 million runway extension
06 March 2018
Federal Government: Tasmania's
economy is set for a major boost with works now complete on
Hobart
International Airport's 500-metre
runway extension.
Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the $40
million project was vital for Tasmania, enabling the
airport to support
larger passenger and freight aircraft to meet the needs of the Asian
market and beyond.
“This major investment will bring unprecedented opportunities to
Tasmania, including establishing Hobart as an international Antarctic
resource hub, supporting tourism growth and connecting businesses to
more export opportunities,” Mr Fletcher said.
“This runway extension will support the creation of about 200 direct
jobs, as well as many more through business export growth and investment
right across Tasmania.
“This is part of the Turnbull Government's commitment to the continued
growth and development of
Hobart, supporting the great work of the
Hodgman Government in transforming the Tasmanian economy.
“It follows our recent commitment to negotiate a
City Deal for
Hobart—where, again, the Turnbull Government and the Hodgman Government
are coming together to drive jobs and economic activity for Hobart.”
Hobart Airport CEO Sarah Renner said the extended runway would create
new opportunities for Tasmania by enabling new destinations to be
reached non-stop.
“The extension will immediately increase our reach as an airport,
enabling direct flights from Hobart to South East Asia as an example,
and will also enhance Hobart's role as a gateway to the Antarctic,” Ms
Renner said.
“The runway extension will now allow large, fully loaded aircraft to
travel directly from Hobart to the ice continent, making Hobart an
extremely competitive Antarctic gateway.”
Hobart Airport passenger numbers have increased from 1.8 million in 2009
to 2.52 million in 2017. The Turnbull Government committed $38 million
to the project which also included realignment of navigational aids,
lighting works and the opening of a new access road. Hobart Airport
contributed the remaining $2 million.
Hobart Airport representatives are in discussions with airlines to
negotiate international flights, and also recently announced plans for
thedevelopment of a freight handling facility to enable local producers
the opportunity to freight their produce direct from Hobart to their
international export destination.
--ENDS--
Source: Australian Government - www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au
Contact: N/A
External Links: N/A
Recent news by: Australian Government