Brisbane Airport’s new $1.1b runway officially open for business
In good news for Queensland’s tourism industry smashed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the ribbon cut on Brisbane Airport’s new $1.1 billion parallel runway. The new runway will make a huge difference to future passengers, as well as job seekers.
QLD Business
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Brisbane’s new $1.1 billion parallel runway has taken its first flights – a Virgin plane bound for Cairns and three historic warbirds.
In welcome news for future passengers, the runway will end the need for holding patterns and lengthy wait times on the tarmac for departure.
The ribbon was officially cut today by Governor Paul de Jersey on the decade-long project that promises to give Brisbane airport capacity on a par with major hubs like Singapore’s Changi, Hong Kong and Sydney.
The parallel runway, coupled with Brisbane being curfew free, means Brisbane is set to become the air passenger and freight gateway to Australia’s east coast.
With capacity to handle 110 flights an hour during peak times – up from 50 – jobs in the airport precinct are forecast to grow from 24,000 to 50,000 in coming decades. The privately-funded project employed more than 3740 people during its construction phase.
Airport chief Gert-Jan de Graaff said one in 70 Queensland jobs were reliant on or connected to the airport.
Deputy Prime Minister @M_McCormackMP addresses the VIP marquee: Well done, Queensland. It is truly an amazing moment for Queensland, and an amazing moment for Australia. #RunwayBegins pic.twitter.com/71EHMPfJ9J
— Brisbane Airport âœˆï¸ (@BrisbaneAirport) July 12, 2020
“When I look at that 3.3km stretch of runway, I see hope,” he said.
“Brisbane is in an ideal position to take advantage of all opportunities on the road to recovery from COVID.
“Today we are making history … and very soon, once again, we will be connecting the world.”
A crowd of about 200 people, including 10 local plane spotters who had won a prized place at the event, watched on as vintage planes spiralled through the sky in an aerobatics show to celebrate the World War II airfield’s rich history.
A sealed time capsule containing today’s Sunday Mail newspaper and items donated by schools, politicians, and the public will be stored on display at Brisbane’s Kingsford Smith Memorial until it is opened in 2070.
