Newcastle Airport has been named Major Airport of the Year 2018 ahead of its international departure launch.
The Australian Airports Association (AAA) announced the award, presented to an airport with over 500,000 annual passengers who displays excellence in airport operations and development.
Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock says the airport's achievement is important for the community.
"A successful airport is vital to a bright future for the region and community in which it serves," Dr Cock said.
The airport's first flight to Auckland will take off next Thursday and airport staff successfully trialed the check-in systems for international departures.
"Some of our volunteers and staff actually pretended to be passengers, they all had a role to play and they went right through the boarding process just to make sure all the finer things are thought about."
Yesterday Port Stephens Police confirmed they'll still be carrying out bag scanning operations at the airport.
"Exactly the same kind of controls are in place at this airport as any other international gateway will be in place here."
Flights to New Zealand will begin on November 22, with more than half of the first flight already booked out.
"Make sure you get out there and book and use this service"
Dr Cock hopes to continue expanding the services Newcastle Airport can provide following the international departure opening.
"As the flights proceed we'll be talking to Virgin about extending the flight season and hopefully expanding."
