General News
9 May, 2023
Second runway not required
CEO outlines expansion plans at airport to include a new 48ha eastern aviation precinct
A SECOND runway at Cairns Airport has been ruled out. Airport chief executive Richard Barker said there was no need for one earmarked for the mangroves on the eastern side of the property.
“Gatwick Airport in the UK runs a single runway with 40 million passengers a year,” he said.
“Auckland is planning a second runway with 22 million passengers a year.
“We currently handle four million passengers a year and by 2040 that will grow to 10 million.
“We want to preserve the mangroves, that was why the Jack Barnes mangrove boardwalk was rebuilt.”
Mr Barker revealed that the board had just approved the start of the eastern aviation precinct south of the domestic terminal and east of the runway.
The 48-hectare site would become the home for helicopters, the emergency services base and maintenance and repair facilities.
Mr Barker said aviation service businesses at general aviation had never been busier and, while some would stay, others could move to the new precinct in due course.
He said it would take two-to-three years and $10 million to build up the site with soil to meet rising sea levels.
Mr Barker said relocating all helicopter operations would make it easier and safer for pilots to get to the Reef and stop the need to have to wait before crossing the main runway.
There would also be newer facilities. Other businesses at general aviation on the western side would now have the confidence to invest and upgrade their facilities, Mr Barker said.
General aviation would be divided into zones: regional aviation operations, airport industry precincts stages one and two and two maintenance, repair and operations precincts.
The $40m international terminal upgrade was underway, including new check-in and arrivals areas, four new glass airbridges followed by a new and bigger baggage reclaim area, bigger and better immigration facilities, including extra passport kiosks and then a renovated retail precinct.
Mr Barker said work was about to start on expanding the domestic terminal carpark by 280 car parks, taking the total to 1165 uncovered (undercover has an additional 126). A further 134 new non-covered bays are planned for when demand requires.
The final section of the domestic terminal’s retail offerings was soon to open. He said it was an open plan design, like a large duty-free store, with a range of brands and products, including liquor, fashions and cosmetics. There will be a strong focus on local products,” Mr Barker said.
