Cairns Airport ready to ‘unleash potential’ with new precinct

Work has started on a new airport precinct set to unleash the potential of an expanding industry which could be worth more than $60m to Cairns’ economy.

Work has started on a new airport precinct set to unleash the potential of an expanding industry which could be worth more than $60m to Cairns’ economy.

Four new aircraft stands will be constructed during the first stage of works, enabling a quicker turnaround for aircraft catering to more passengers.

The Cairns Airport’s Eastern Aviation Precinct will also be developed to include new aeromedical and emergency response facilities, aircraft maintenance and repair resources including a 10,000sq m common user hangar, training facilities and an area for renewable fuel and energy production.

Digital renderings of the new Eastern Aviation Precinct at Cairns Airport. Image: Supplied

Cairns Airport chief executive Richard Barker said the new infrastructure will also offer improved flood resilience after December’s floods left aviation businesses under water.

“While we can’t predict the impact of future weather events, this project includes building specifications which will help improve long-term resilience,” he said.

Construction on the Cairns Airport's eastern aviation precinct has begun, with initial earthmoving work underway at the site of the old runway, south of the domestic terminal. North Queensland Airports general manager of infrastructure and property Alan Dugan, chief executive Richard Barker, Advance Cairns chief executive Jacinta Reddan and Cairns Aviation Skills Centre business manager Chris Piggott inspect the site of the new precinct, which will house purpose-built infrastructure and facilities, and expand the airport's general aviation footprint. Picture: Brendan Radke

“This precinct is central to our strategic plan for future sustainable growth. We are investing now to ensure we have the infrastructure that will support local industries and is beneficial to our community.”

A map of Cairns Airport and the new precinct project. Image: Supplied

Helicopter operators will also get a new dedicated base alleviating the need to cross the airport’s main flight path.

Operations at the precinct are expected to contribute up to $60m to the region’s economy and up to 400 new jobs.

Advance Cairns chief executive Jacinta Reddan said the maintenance repair and overhaul sector currently provides $36m to the regional economy each year and 370 direct jobs, but a number of operators were outgrowing their facilities.

“Current facilities are operating over capacity, leading to an estimated $15m in business being turned away last year,” she said.

Digital renderings of the new Eastern Aviation Precinct at Cairns Airport. Image: Supplied

“Development of the common-use hangar will open up significant local business opportunities and create more career pathways.

“This precinct will really unleash the potential of the aviation industry here in Cairns.”

The precinct is being developed on a vacant parcel of land to the west of Airport Ave, with construction beginning in stages and completion of the aircraft stands expected in 2027.

Earthworks building the level of the stands to two metres above the current levels commenced on Monday with 200,000 cubic metres of fill required for the first stage.

Mr Barker asked passengers to allow for a “little more time” during the earthworks phase with up to 80 truck loads per day travelling in and out of the site.

Originally published as Cairns Airport ready to ‘unleash potential’ with new precinct