Mayor sees bright future for airport as light aviation hub

STEPPING back on tarmac after the maiden flight from Toowoomba to Roma has cemented the city’s commercial strength in the eyes of the mayor.

Skytrans is now flying from Toowoomba to Roma. Picture: Contributed

STEPPING back on tarmac after the maiden flight from Toowoomba to Roma has cemented the city's commercial strength in the eyes of the mayor.

Skytrans opened a new passenger route between the two regional centres yesterday, with Mayor Paul Antonio, Cr Carol Taylor and council CEO Brian Pidgeon on board.

It is likely to be a short-lived arrangement - from its current take-off point at least - with Wellcamp Airport expected to take over the reins when it starts operating in October.

Cr Antonio said Toowoomba Airport would remain an important thread in the region's fabric - not as a passenger airport, but as a hub for light aircraft maintenance and training.

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"Skytrans connecting Roma and Toowoomba is a leap of faith in our region," he said.

"It indicates the role we play as a regional centre and a service centre for a very broad region.

"No doubt, there will be a change when Brisbane-West Wellcamp gets going."

Toowoomba Airport remains council property, and moves are in play to strengthen its future.

"People will not only be housing their light aircraft there; there will be all sorts of service industries for maintenance and learning to fly," Cr Antonio said.

"I think we can build on that and attract more players in that field to be based there.

"Its future is very strong indeed."

Originally published as Mayor sees bright future for airport as light aviation hub