Orange’s airport is currently undergoing significant upgrades, such as the development of increased car spaces, the addition of a new exit and improved passenger comfort.
Owned, operated and maintained by Orange City Council, the Orange Aerodrome is located 15 kilometres southeast of Orange and is serviced by Regional Express Airlines, which provides regional passenger services between Orange and Sydney.
With 25 return flights per week, more than 60,000 passengers use the airport facility annually.
Located in the central west of New South Wales, Orange is a three and a half hour drive from Sydney, or a short 45 minute flight. The modern city has grown from its rich mining past, to a cultural city, blending historic buildings and streetscapes with cosmopolitan cafes, restaurants, theatres and galleries.
It has a population of 38,000 people and with surrounding towns and villages supports a population of 100,000 through its industrial, commercial and service resources.
More than 200,000 people visit the region annually, with Orange the primary destination for 75 per cent of these tourists.
Council’s Commercial and Emergency Services Manager, Kel Gardiner, manages the Orange Aerodrome.
He said the upgrade, which has been included in Council’s current Management Plan, will cost $110,000.
“Continuing investment at the airport is recognition of its importance as a gateway to the region,” he said. “In recent years, Council has upgraded the runway, installed security cameras, lighting and fencing. The baggage pickup area has been covered and in the coming months will be enclosed and incorporated into the terminal.
“At times, people using the airport are forced to park on grassed areas. As part of the upgrade, this year an additional 55 spaces will be added and a new exit will also be installed.
“There will be a dedicated entrance, the existing entrance, and a new dedicated exit. This means there will be a one way flow of traffic through the car park.”
Having more than 50,000 passengers pass through the airport each year makes it a contestable airport. This means it is open to a second carrier.
As such, a local businessman has recently announced his intention to establish a 48 seater jet service to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
If this goes ahead, the airport will have to step up its security operations, and may undergo further improvements to cater for a larger business market.
For further information contact Kel Gardiner on (02) 6393 8172 or email kgardiner@orange.nsw.gov.au
