19 September 2019
Sunshine Coast Airport has been confirmed as the fastest growing airport in the country for the FY18/19, according to results released by Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) results this month.
The BITRE results are calculated by comparing the top 20 growing airports in Australia, with Hobart and Mackay coming in second and third on the list.
At 5.8 percent growth year on year, Sunshine Coast Airport outpaced the national airport average growth rate of 1.1 percent.
The results are backed up by a record numbers of passengers for the month of July 2019, at almost 120,000 passengers. The impressive figures have been bolstered by the second daily Qantas service to Sydney, introduced in April and ideally timed to attract international visitors to the region while simultaneously allowing local residents to connect with outgoing international services.
Sunshine Coast Airport Chief Executive Officer Andrew Brodie said the results were encouraging and demonstrate the important role the airport is playing in a growing region.
“While recognition that we’re the fastest growing airport in the country already sets us apart, we’re still working hard behind the scenes to create a point of difference in the industry well into the future,” Mr Brodie said.
“We are part of a regional economy which is accelerating in the infrastructure, property and tourism sectors, so enhanced connectivity is imperative.
“With the opening of the new runway next year, the opportunity for expanded domestic destinations and, later on, international services is definitely something we are excited about.
“Add to that a new terminal redevelopment planned for the next few years, which will provide extra capacity and reflect the relaxed Sunshine Coast look and feel, and we are certainly poised for take-off.”
ENDS
