Newcastle Airport ready for overseas travel

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Although there aren't any announcements on the horizon for international flights, Newcastle Airport today unveiled their international terminal fit-out.

The $1.6 million worth of facilities include security and IT equipment, passenger screening technology and furniture for border security agencies.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance opened the terminal this morning with the majority of which funded by the NSW Government.

"The opportunities are absolutely boundless and I know if Singapore airlines can fly thorough Canberra to New Zealand there is no reason why you won't see some of those international carriers having a very long hard think about the opportunities here, which are here, they're real and they're profound," said Andrew Constance.

The fit out was completed ahead of schedule and marks the completion of the upgrades at the terminal which started in 2015.

Andrew Constance says it's not just about moving people in and out, but the whole region benefiting through their industries as well.

'This one is a bit controversial, but I actually name it the Hunter International Airport because it does need to be a truly international airport. It's the state's second  international airport now, you guys beat Badgerys Creek so the key to it is absolutely the whole region."

Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock is on cloud nine and very happy to say the airport can now cater for international flights should the opportunity arise in the future.

"To see such a high calibre crowd here and driving along the way to this event I think it shows what an important asset this is for the region. It's a game changer. Facilities like this allow us to get international traffic and what we can be sure of is if we don't have this you can't get international flights."

Image newcastleairport.com.au

Newcastle airport's biggest ever year for passengers

BY JESSICA ROUSE

We're all being urged to Go Smarter and use our local airport after Newcastle Airport released their passenger results for the 2016/17 financial year.

The airport saw more than 1.25 million people use the airport, the best financial year number ever and a 6.6 per cent increase on the last figures.

There's no doubt the airport is a major contributor to the Hunter's growth and economy bringing people and businesses in and out of the area. Airlines are putting on more flights through Newcastle airport making Newcastle an ideal kick-off point for business and holiday travel.

"It is actually the smart choice. If you think about the other option of driving many hours down the M1 and risking traffic jams, it's just a lot smarter to use your own airport, you can park cheaply and close to the door, check in is great and we kind of understand people don't know you can do hubbing to international destinations," said airport CEO Dr Peter Cock.

The Go Smarter campaign launched last week highlights exactly what Dr Peter Cock explained - that the airport is easy, quick, smart and often more affordable for travel for locals for both international and domestic flights. The campaign aims to re-educate people of the Hunter about the flight options they have right in their backyard.

"We understand people don't know you can do hubbing to international destinations or you can fly internationally through at your own airport you just go via Melbourne or Brisbane and in many cases its actually quicker when you consider the whole journey including the travel down the M1, it's actually smarter to go from your local airport," said Dr Peter Cock.

Image newcastleairport.com.au

International flights by November

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Jumping on a flight overseas could be a whole lot easier when the state government announce funding for Newcastle airport to cater for international passenger flights.

The government will announce $850,000 to fit out the terminal before the end of the year.

The major upgrade will make it possible for Novocastrians and people across the Hunter to jump on a flight close to home, rather than make the long journey down to Sydney Airport.

 Airport management will now start talks with airlines to discuss flights to Bali, Fiji and New Zealand.

The announcement comes a year before Badgerys Creek Airport, which will make Newcastle the second International airport in NSW.

Image visitnewcastle.com.au