New runway lights up by night for historic flight

Region’s new runway lights up by night to welcome historic flights on fresh tarmac.

The new runway lit up by night for test flights.

THE first glimpse of the region’s new runway for flights by night has been revealed.

More than 400 lights were switched on along the new runway last Friday to welcome the first plane to touch down on the fresh tarmac.

A Twin Comanche landed on the runway, as part of runway lighting tests and final checks before council handed the runway over to the Sunshine Coast Airport on June 13.

Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion project director Ross Ullman said the test had been an exciting milestone for the project.

The new runway lit up by night for test flights.

“The Twin Comanche performed several approaches from both ends of runway 13/31 at a height of 200ft, checking safe operation of the ground lighting,” Mr Ullman said.

“At approximately 8.20pm last Friday evening, we watched the first plane successfully touch down — a proud and historic moment for the Sunshine Coast community.

“There are 409 lights installed along the runway, linked by an impressive 50kms of electrical cabling — which is about the distance from Caloundra to the airport and back again.

“The lights are operated by Air Traffic Control using new touch screens and connected by an airport lighting equipment room.”

Division 8 Councillor and economy portfolio holder Jason O’Pray said the new runway would play a “major role” in the recovery of the region after the coronavirus pandemic.

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