Wednesday November 17, 2021
Shellharbour Airport has been named Australia’s best Small Regional RPT Airport at the Australian Airport Association’s (AAA) National Airport Industry Awards 2021. The airport was also recognised for its environmental sustainably practices, receiving a highly commended sustainability award.
The Australian Airport Association’s (AAA) National Airport Industry Awards acknowledge the organisations and individuals who have achieved excellence within Australia’s airport industry.
Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, Shellharbour City Council oversaw significant growth in the airport precinct as part of a $20.35 million upgrade project, creating a truly world class regional airport. Works included the newly built passenger terminal, renewal of the main runway, upgrades to the cross runway, taxiways and additional aircraft parking space.
Shellharbour Airport also reached major milestones in tackling climate change by reducing emissions as an ecologically sustainable development by adopting best practice solutions.
The use of natural resources and a range of energy and water saving initiatives were incorporated into the terminal and car parking facilities. These initiatives help reduce the airport’s carbon footprint as part of Shellharbour City Council’s commitment to Net Zero Emissions by 2050, and were recognised by the judging panel.
AAA Chief Executive James Goodwin said the major upgrade has enabled Shellharbour Airport to grow and foster opportunities for economic development, tourism and jobs growth.
“Despite navigating the most difficult period the sector has faced in living memory, as resilient as ever Shellharbour 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.
“Shellharbour 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.”
Shellharbour City Council CEO Carey McIntyre said that the national awards recognised the vision and commitment of the Council towards both economic growth and sustainability.
“The new passenger terminal delivers the comfort and high quality facilities that passengers require and expect,” Mr McIntyre said.
“The upgrades to the airport project will benefit the entire region, including Shellharbour City residents and the wider Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands communities.
“The project’s success would not have been possible without the support of the NSW state government. Council also recognises the contribution of RCP and MODE Architects on the airport upgrade,” he said.
Link Airways Manager Network Strategy and Development, Jeff Boyd, congratulated Shellharbour City Council on receiving the prestigious award.
“We believe that it is well deserved given the work Shellharbour City Council has put in to improving all aspects of Shellharbour Airport over the last few years,” Mr Boyd said.
“This work has resulted in Shellharbour City having a first class regional airport with outstanding facilities for all levels of general and regional aviation.
“Link Airways has been thrilled to work with Shellharbour City Council to deliver reliable and sustainable airline services to Melbourne and Brisbane from Shellharbour Airport.”
