Hobart Airport’s $130 million upgrade has begun, with works underway to strengthen 829m of runway.
Comprising three stages, the upgrade will enable long-haul flight aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, to use the runway.
This will open up competition by allowing direct flights from Hobart to Asia and the Pacific.
Over the entire project more than 30,000 tonnes of old asphalt will be removed and around 100,000 tonnes of new asphalt will be placed – that’s around the weight of two Tasman Bridges.
The airport’s taxiways, ground lighting, electrical systems and signage are also being improved.
Local producers are also set to benefit, as products will be able to reach international destinations faster and in better quality.
The upgrades will create nearly 200 jobs through the construction phase and are expected to be complete by May 2025.
The Hobart International Airport runway upgrades are jointly funded, with $60 million investment from the Federal Government, and $70 million from Hobart International Airport Pty Ltd.
Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said it was exciting to see the works underway.
“This is a highly technical project with hundreds of expert workers and specialist equipment involved,” Mr Carter said.
“They have a big job on their hands, to unlock direct access to the world for Tasmanian travellers and exporters, and all the opportunities that will come with that.”
“Stage Two works on the middle of the runway are scheduled to start in October. This will include temporarily closing the runway each night after the last flight lands, upgrading an approximately 80m wide strip, and then reopening it before the first flight departs.
“We’ve worked closely with our overnight users to ensure alternate plans are in place to minimise any potential disruptions while this important work occurs.”
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King, said, “Upgrading the Hobart Airport runway will make a real difference to the economy of both the city of Hobart, as well as the state of Tasmania.
“This will benefit tourists and exporters, with larger aircraft able to land at the airport, bringing in more tourists from further afield through an Asian hub.”
Image: Sarah Aktag/shutterstock.com
