A major boost to Tasmania’s economy is expected with works now complete on Hobart International Airport’s 500-metre runway extension.
Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the $40 million project was vital for Tasmania, enabling the airport to support larger passenger and freight aircraft to meet the needs of the Asian market and beyond.
“This major investment will bring unprecedented opportunities to Tasmania, including establishing Hobart as an international Antarctic resource hub, supporting tourism growth and connecting businesses to more export opportunities,” Mr Fletcher said.
“This runway extension will support the creation of about 200 direct jobs, as well as many more through business export growth and investment right across Tasmania.”
Hobart Airport CEO Sarah Renner said the extended runway would create new opportunities for Tasmania by enabling new destinations to be reached non-stop.
“The extension will immediately increase our reach as an airport, enabling direct flights from Hobart to South East Asia as an example, and will also enhance Hobart’s role as a gateway to the Antarctic,” Ms Renner said.
“The runway extension will now allow large, fully loaded aircraft to travel directly from Hobart to the ice continent, making Hobart an extremely competitive Antarctic gateway.”
The number of people travelling through Hobart Airport have increased from 1.8 million in 2009 to 2.52 million in 2017.
The project was funded jointly between the Federal Government ($38 million) and Hobart Airport ($2 million).
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