Emerald Airport wins Large Regional Airport of the Year

Emerald Airport has been named Large Regional Airport of the Year in the Australian Airport Association’s (AAA) National Airport Industry Awards for 2021.

Announced yesterday, the awards attracted 86 nominations from airports and organisations across the country.

Mayor Kerry Hayes said the Emerald Airport was recognised for its major upgrade of existing assets including Australia’s first bespoke designed stone mastic asphalt (SMA) runway.

‘For two years, Emerald Airport’s airside and landside operations have undergone a $20.8 m upgrade,’ Mayor Hayes said.

‘This award is a well-deserved and timely recognition of this amazing business and the dedicated and very determined people that make it run. As a council we are extremely proud of this achievement, as our community should be too.’

Upgrades have included:

Australia’s first bespoke designed SMA runwayGeneral Aviation Pavement Reconstruction and Expansion ProjectSatisfying enhanced security screening equipment requirementsTerminal Redevelopment Project which included relocating and upgrading the passenger drop-off zone and carpark, installing paid car parking equipment with number plate recognition, upgrading the firefighting equipment and systems, communications and IT backbone infrastructure, CCTV systems, access and wayfinding systems and numerous other safety and user-experience related upgrades.

AAA Chief Executive James Goodwin said there was almost no part of Emerald Airport that had not been improved. 

‘Despite navigating the most difficult period the sector has faced in living memory, as resilient as ever Emerald Airport has taken the challenges in its stride and continued to adapt and innovate, finding new ways of doing things, forging ahead with major infrastructure projects, diversifying its business and developing new partnerships,’ Mr Goodwin said. 

‘Emerald Airport strives to make a difference and continues to develop infrastructure that enhances the passenger’s experience whilst making a valued contribution to our wider community.   ‘I congratulate the airport on its high level of professionalism, community spirit and commitment to the passenger that was clearly demonstrated in its winning nomination.’