Brisbane’s 2nd Airport runway set to open next year!
For those involved in the early planning that started in the 1970’s, it would be hard to believe Brisbane’s 2nd airport runway is so close to to completion. Once complete, Brisbane is set to have the best runway system in the country, with the ability to double current capacity.
With so many benefits its hard not to be excited about! By 2035, it is estimated the new runway will provide $5 billion annual economic benefit to the region, and will have created an additional 7,800 jobs. Travellers will benefit from more choice of flight times, destinations and airlines.
Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) CEO and Managing Director, Julieanne Alroe, said the $3.8 billion infrastructure program which includes this new runway, aims to position the Brisbane Airport as the country’s chosen gateway for air travel. Forecasts have indicated that passenger numbers will more than double from 22.7 million at the end of the 2017 financial year to 50 million by 2035.
“Last year we had a record seven per cent increase in international passengers and, with numbers expected to rise, our focus is on how Brisbane Airport can continue to play a significant role in meeting forecast demand and stimulating even more,” said Ms Alroe.
Brisbane Airport has received great on-time performance (OTP) results the latest Punctuality League report where the top 20 airlines in the world are ranked. The airport received the best ranking within airports in Australia. Brisbane Airport chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff indicated to australianaviation.com.au this is a sign of good things to come.
“We cannot achieve the result we have without the extensive work, research, technology and innovation being done in this area by so many of our partners across Australia and the world.
“The very good news is, we expect on-time performance to continue to improve with the opening of Brisbane’s new runway in mid-2020 which will effectively double Brisbane Airport’s capacity, providing us with the most efficient runway system in Australia.”
Hannah Schuhmann said businesses like the W Hotel, Westin, Emporium Hotel South Bank, The Calile Hotel in the Valley, and Howard Smith Wharf have already positioned themselves for the influx of approximately 1.2 million more visitors per year when the 2nd runway opens mid 2020… YES NEXT YEAR!