Parafield Airport Limited (PAL) published the 2024 Preliminary Draft Master Plan (PDMP) for Parafield Airport last weekend.
The PDMP covers development and forecasts for the airport out to 2043, with a focus on the next eight years.
Although the PDMP is not substantially different from the 2017 master plan, PAL believes their will be a growth in employment generated at the airport.
PAL Executive General Manager Tom Ganley said Parafield played an essential role in the economic development of northern Adelaide and South Australia in general.
“Since 2016, total employment (direct and indirect) as a result of airport activities has increased by 5% to 2570 jobs. By 2043 it is forecast to reach 6878 jobs,” Ganley said.
“Our economic contribution to the State since the previous Master Plan has increased by $92 million (35%) to $354.8 million. By 2043 we forecast our contribution to increase to $740 million.
“Being one of the most significant business, training and employment precincts in the northern suburbs, Parafield Airport is a major economic generator and takes a strong leadership role in the community.
“We provide support where it will generate a lasting benefit and assists the northern region through partnerships relating to the environment, community, business and tourism.”
The GA development plan includes:
- the existing runway system provides sufficient capacity to handle the forecast volumes of air traffic up to and beyond the 20-year planning horizon of this Master Plan 2024
- the first eight years of the Master Plan, to 2031, will focus on expansion of airfield infrastructure to improve efficiency, working to a staged program of development
- areas to the west of the existing apron area will be retained for further aircraft parking and provision of
additional aviation related support industries, such as hangars - opportunities to improve helicopter operations and facilities are proposed over the 20-year planning horizon
- new technologies, such as electric aircraft, will require electrical services to be provided within apron areas for charging batteries.
A proposal to upgrade the airport to handle Code 3C aircraft (regional jets) touted in the 2017 PDMP has been deleted from the 2024 document because the demand is now projected to be outside the 20-year planning horizon.
The full Preliminary Draft Master Plan is on the Parafield Airport website and is open for public comment for 60 days.