NEWCASTLE Airport has hit new heights, with its expansion marking a lofty milestone on Thursday ahead of an upgrade expected to land on August 1, 2025.
The final roof beam, signed by workers and dignitaries, was installed on October 3 at a topping-out ceremony, marking the completion of the $110 million international terminal's external frame.
Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock was joined by Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson and representatives from Hunter Joint Organisation, Business Hunter, and the Committee for the Hunter, to watch the beam lifted into place with a native Banksia tree bolted to the beam, symbolising growth and sustainability.
"It was special to sign the beam which - for the life of the terminal - people will be able to look up and see that those are the people of our region that got us this amazing facility," Dr Cock said.
Property Council Hunter and Central Coast regional director Amy De Lore attended the event and praised the continued development of the upgrade.
"The completion of the Code E runway and the opening of the expanded terminal will turbo-charge tourism in the Hunter, create thousands of jobs, and unlock huge potential for new investment in the visitor economy and freight and logistics industries," she said.
"The economic uplift will benefit the entire region and, like every other traveller in the Hunter, I can't wait until we can board an international flight from our home airport."
The next steps for the 8000 square-metre development is to add glass panels and fit out the inside of the site aside conversations with airlines, Dr Cock said.
"We're having lots of conversations with airlines, we're hoping for more domestic and international routes. We haven't got any announcements or start dates yet for the first international route, but we are really positive the terminal will get international traffic," he said.
Dr Cock said the public had made him aware of destination areas of interest including Bali, Fiji, New Zealand, Europe and America.
"We want to fly where our region want to go," he said.
He said the terminal will be a game changer for the Hunter, Central Coast and even Sydney, allowing people to "start their holidays earlier".
"This terminal and direct flights will cut five hours out of people trips easily, by not having to drive to Sydney or getting accommodation down there the night before a flight," he said.
"With the Western Sydney Airport and Newcastle's international terminal coming online the Sydney zone of people will have a choice," he said.
Newcastle Airport chair Jude Munro AO acknowledged the Worimi people for their assistance in the landscaping of the terminal and the connections making it happen.
"This airport is not just a gateway, it's a life line that connects our community to the world, fostering growth. opportunity and prosperity," she said.
"As we approach our grand opening we are filled with excitement for what opportunities the terminal will bring. It is about creating a legacy for future generations."
