Countdown on for $130m Hobart Airport runway upgrade
A start on Hobart Airport’s runway upgrade is now just two months away, with chief executive Norris Carter hailing the $130m project as the one of the most significant in its history.
Tasmania
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A start on a Hobart Airport runway upgrade allowing non-stop flights between Asia and Tasmania is now just two months away, with airport chief executive Norris Carter hailing the $130 million project as the most significant in its 60-year history.
Meeting Federal Government representatives and the head of project partner Downer on the tarmac on Wednesday, Mr Carter said the $60 million Commonwealth contribution and the Airport’s $70 million investment would unlock opportunities across Tasmania.
Mr Carter said that when the project was completed in 2025, international travellers would be able to fly directly to and from Hobart to Asia, removing the current time and costs associated with stopovers.
“The combined $130 million investment will pave the way for a trifecta of opportunities across tourism, trade and the Antarctic,” Mr Carter said.
“It will provide Tasmanian farmers with the opportunity to have non-stop flights to key Asian markets to get their produce to market quicker and for a higher premium, cutting the 10 to 36 hour travel time of having to go via Melbourne’s Tullamarine.
“Tasmania’s position as the Gateway to the Antarctic will be bolstered, with direct access from polar and research programs based here in Tasmania, and one-stop Antarctic flights for international programs operating across Asia.”
Mr Carter said the Runway Upgrade Project would create 197 full-time equivalent jobs and a further 1260 indirect jobs over the life of the upgraded runway, and provide an annual economic boost of $122 million once operational.
Tasmania is the only state or territory without a runway unsuitable for wide-body aircraft operations, but once complete, the new runway will allow such as the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A350 to operate at Hobart Airport.
The first sod on the project is expected to be turned in July, with the first wide-body aircraft to touch down in late 2025.
Executive general manager of airport pavement specialists Downer, Stuart Billing, said the project was a reflection of the firm’s ongoing investment in Tasmania, as well as its long-term association with Hobart airport.
“Our approach to constructing the works draws upon Downer’s extensive experience in delivering airfield projects, minimising disruption and ensuring the safety of aircraft and the travelling public,” Mr Billing said.
“We’re proud to be involved with this project which will have such a positive economic impact on the state.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Tasmanian Senator Carol Brown, said growing the capacity at Hobart Airport would offer a significant boost for the state’s businesses and tourism.
“This is a project for Tasmania’s future, ensuring contemporary and future needs are met for our growing state.
“I’m thrilled the Albanese Government is investing in this vital project, as it demonstrates our commitment to improving key infrastructure in Tasmania”.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said direct Hobart to Asia routes would allow exports to reach their destination faster, and in better quality, greatly benefiting Tasmania’s fresh produce sector.
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Originally published as Countdown on for $130m Hobart Airport runway upgrade
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