Looking ahead to clearer flying soon

WHILE we’re grateful Covid-19 hasn’t had the devastating health impacts seen elsewhere, Coast businesses have not been immune to economic pain.

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie.

WHILE we’re incredibly grateful Covid-19 has not had the devastating health impacts seen elsewhere, Sunshine Coast businesses have not been immune to the economic pain.

For the aviation industry and Sunshine Coast Airport, the impact has been profound.

It has been just over a month since we farewelled our last commercial flight and closed the terminal.

It is very sad to see our airport — the fastest-growing in Australia and part of so many amazing memories, reunions and adventures — devoid of life, laughter and activity.

We also know our community is hurting, with Visit Sunshine Coast estimating more than 5000 tourism jobs affected and about $500 million lost to the industry due to Covid-19.

But we believe in the Sunshine Coast, and we are here to help its recovery – to open up domestic visitor markets, connect people to family, and bring more business to the region.

But we can’t do this on our own.

We need to work with the airlines, tourism bodies, businesses and the broader community to help make this airport the best it can be.

We need people to support the flights in and out of the Sunshine Coast when planes come back to ensure the services are a success as we begin our recovery.

Return of the planes

The question I’m asked most often is: when will the planes return?

I can’t say with certainty, but I hope domestic travel will open in the second half of the year.

And while growing the number of destinations and flights will be challenging, we’re working to make sure the Sunshine Coast is front of mind as airlines plan their recovery.

Before Covid-19, we had overwhelming demand for Melbourne and Sydney travel – more than we could meet.

People also wanted flights into Cairns, Townsville, Canberra, Newcastle and Perth. Your support will help us convince the airlines these services could succeed.

I also believe the trans-Tasman will open late this year and we are working hard with our airlines to capitalise on the opportunity.

And while I expect it will take many years for international travel to recover, when the time is right, we’ll position the region on the world stage.

Destination, runway key to recovery

Australians love exploring places and connecting with people.

After a long period of isolation — particularly for people facing a long, cold winter down south, travel unlocks new horizons and different experiences.

And we offer those in spades.

The stunning Glass House Mountains, Noosa sea breezes or the taste of Mooloolaba prawns make the Coast a fabulous destination only a couple of hours’ flight from Sydney and Melbourne.

We also know the Coast is a great place to live and do business.

Many businesses, small and large, provide amazing services and products in demand across the country and internationally and are based here on the Coast.

Our new runway, due to open June 14 this year, is a game changer and will play a vital role in rebuilding the region.

Longer and wider, the runway will allow larger planes to come to the Coast for the first time.

This means we can reach new destinations domestically and, eventually, internationally.

It also creates freight opportunities for primary producers.

Protecting our business

I’ve watched with admiration as entrepreneurs across the Coast have pivoted to diversify their business.

We need to pivot and diversify, too.

Most of our current earnings rely on commercial flights and our revenue is down 96 per cent.

Last year, we published our master plan, which set out a $100 million investment blueprint for evolving and diversifying the airport’s land use and revenue streams.

Other airports do this successfully, particularly in major capital and regional cities. This not only provides greater protection for the airport’s revenue during volatile times in the aviation industry, but also safeguards more jobs and provides opportunities for regional economic growth.

But be assured: aviation is at the heart of Sunshine Coast Airport. Connecting people to amazing places, people and experiences is our passion.

So while it is a turbulent time, we’re here to serve our community, now and for the long haul. And we look forward to clear flying soon.

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