Bendigo Regional Airport has taken out the prestigious 2017 Small Regional Aerodrome of the Year award, with Tennant Creek winning Small Regional Airport and Coffs Harbour Large Regional Airport of the Year.
The awards were made last night at the annual Australian Airports Association (AAA) National Airport Industry Awards, held in Adelaide.
Bendigo was honoured for its significant upgrade that saw $15 million spent over 15 months constructing a new 30-metre wide Code 3 runway, four new taxiways and a new medium-intensity lighting system. The upgrade is intended to link Bendigo to Australia and the rest of the world for freight and passenger services.
Tennant Creek won its award for being the first registered airport in Australia to receive CASA certification exemption to enable it to service fly-in, fly-out demands for the Northern Gas Pipeline. The airport has now had RPT operations for one year and completed refurbishing its terminal building.
Coffs Harbour was recognised for a range of infrastructure upgrades designed to accommodate rising passenger demand in the region, including increasing the airside capacity and extending the terminal.
“Australia’s airports are busier than ever as they invest to deliver a great customer experience for our growing number of passengers,” said AAA CEO Caroline Wilkie.
“This year’s award winners include Australian airport firsts, significant investments in capacity and innovative new approaches to meeting changing customer needs.
“The awards highlight the airport industry’s commitment to investing in our aviation sector to drive growth and build our tourism economy.”
In other awards, Sydney Airport won Capital City Airport of the Year, and Launceston won Major Airport of the Year.
Several innovation and excellence awards went to Brisbane Airport, Toowoomba Wellcamp, Melbourne, Christmas Island, Dubbo, Whitsunday and Archerfield.
Dubbo, Orange, Parkes and Scone were jointly recognised for their Aerodrome Reporting Officers' Network forum, which fosters information sharing and co-operation within the regions airports.
Sydney Airport CEO Kerrie Mather was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to the Airport Industry Award.
“All of our winners reflect the passion and dedication of airport staff to lead their industry and create great experiences for the travelling public,” Wilkie.
“Congratulations to all our winners for the contribution they’re making to our airports, communities and the economy.”