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Economy takes off with the Airport

The development of Coffs Harbour Regional Airport is acknowledged as the driving force behind the area’s economic growth in recent years.

With more than 320,000 passengers using the facility every year, it can rightly claim to be one of NSW’s largest and busiest regional airports. Achieving that status has been the result of the vision of former Coffs Harbour City Councillors and the airport’s staff.

In 1992, planning began to upgrade the airport terminal and runway. Stage One of the project was the widening of the main runway to give it greater operational flexibility and to cater for future aircraft.

At the end of 1999, work began on the $4 million terminal expansion to meet the expected growth in passenger numbers. The new expanded terminal became operational in November 2000.

The latest development – the new passenger lounge opened in 2009 – marks the ongoing realisation of that vision. With seating for 64 passengers, internet stations, wireless broadband and a flat screen television, the lounge provides the comfort and facilities that tourists and business flyers expect and need.

Keeping pace with development is key to the airport’s success.

The Coffs Coast has grown hugely in popularity as a holiday hotspot in recent years. Similarly, Coffs Harbour is increasingly being recognised as the destination of choice for national and regional conferences and sporting events.

Many of those coming to the Coffs Coast are using the airport, as are more and more residents travelling elsewhere. Being able to provide them with the comfort and convenience they would normally only associate with a metropolitan airport hub, will ensure that Coffs Harbour Regional Airport remains a key economic driver for the city.

Airport facts:

  • Council owned and operated since 1984, when the
    Commonwealth Department of Transport transferred
    ownership under the Airport Local Ownership Plan.
  • Upgraded to F28 jet standard in 1986.
  • Main runway upgraded to Boeing 767 standard in 1999 with the terminal building upgraded the following year.
  • Traveller numbers increasing every year, with 323,000
    passengers in 2007–08 and 26,362 aircraft movements.
  • Runway length of 2080 metres and a width of 45 metres, the
    airport is capable of handling most jet aircraft types up to a
    wide body Boeing 767.
  • Modern, fully air conditioned terminal building providing
    comfortable customer facilities, state of the art baggage handling
    and security systems.
  • Has the capability to handle up to a million passengers a
    year

 

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