The Hobart Airport redevelopment has reached an important milestone, with the northern extension now complete, allowing work on the final stages of the project at the southern end to commence.
The 120m runway extension at the northern end of the airport adjacent to the Tasman Highway has been completed on time, with the 380m extension at the southern end now underway and planned for completion by March 2018.
Hobart Airport CEO Rod Parry said he was delighted to see the redevelopment progressing so well, bringing Tasmania one step closer to welcoming larger aircraft to the state.
“The runway extension is one of the most significant Tasmanian infrastructure projects in recent history and will bring unprecedented opportunities, including firmly establishing Hobart as an international Antarctic travel hub,” Mr Parry said.
“Aircraft have commenced using the northern extension of the runway and I’m particularly proud of the fact that the work has been done with minimal disruption to the Airport’s operations.”
The extension project has been enabled through $38 million in funding assistance from the Australian Government and an additional $2 million from Hobart Airport.
Hobart Airport experienced its busiest year ever with over 2.4 million passengers traveling through Hobart Airport over the past 12 months.
Mr Parry said Hobart Airport was a major part of the Tasmanian economy and the redevelopment would create new opportunities for Tasmania.
“There are over 820 people employed by Hobart Airport which contributes $143 million into the state’s economy each year and this will only continue to increase once the extension is completed,” Mr Parry said.
