Joint Media Release: Hobart Airport to soar thanks to $40 million runway extension

Tasmania’s economy is set for a major boost with works now complete on Hobart International Airport’s 500-metre runway extension.

Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the $40 million project was vital for Tasmania, enabling the airport to support larger passenger and freight aircraft to meet the needs of the Asian market and beyond.

“This major investment will bring unprecedented opportunities to Tasmania, including establishing Hobart as an international Antarctic resource hub, supporting tourism growth and connecting businesses to more export opportunities,” Mr Fletcher said.

“This runway extension will support the creation of about 200 direct jobs, as well as many more through business export growth and investment right across Tasmania.

“This is part of the Turnbull Government’s commitment to the continued growth and development of Hobart, supporting the great work of the Hodgman Government in transforming the Tasmanian economy.

“It follows our recent commitment to negotiate a City Deal for Hobart – where, again, the Turnbull Government and the Hodgman Government are coming together to drive jobs and economic activity for Hobart.”

Hobart Airport CEO Sarah Renner said the extended runway would create new opportunities for Tasmania by enabling new destinations to be reached non-stop.

“The extension will immediately increase our reach as an airport, enabling direct flights from Hobart to South East Asia as an example, and will also enhance Hobart’s role as a gateway to the Antarctic,” Ms Renner said.

“The runway extension will now allow large, fully loaded aircraft to travel directly from Hobart to the ice continent, making Hobart an extremely competitive Antarctic gateway.”

Hobart Airport passenger numbers have increased from 1.8 million in 2009 to 2.52 million in 2017. The Turnbull Government committed $38 million to the project which also included realignment of navigational aids, lighting works and the opening of a new access road. Hobart Airport contributed the remaining $2 million.

Hobart Airport representatives are in discussions with airlines to negotiate international flights, and also recently announced plans for the development of a freight handling facility to enable local producers the opportunity to freight their produce direct from Hobart to their international export destination.

Download vision of the runway extension
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/c6g2jls5kxiqjky/AACEvnAI6j5ngmH4IE554mhaa?dl=0