BY IAN CROUCH
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is flying into Williamtown this morning (Friday 7 May, 2021) to announce federal funding for a major upgrade at Newcastle Airport.
$66 million will be included in next Tuesday's budget to upgrade the airport runway to international standard, allowing larger aircraft like Boeing 777's and Airbus 330s to land in Newcastle.
It's envisioned twice daily international flights will operate out of Williamtown along with daily direct domestic flights.
It's expected the project will create 4,400 jobs, with the upgrade coinciding with major works at the RAAF base to support the F-35 fleet.
The upgrade is expected to generate an extra 850,000 visitors to the Hunter and add $12.7 billion to the region's economy over the next 20 years.
Work is expected to start later this year and should be finished in 2023, subject to parliamentary approval.
The PM will also hold the National Cabinet meeting today from the RAAF Base.
