Sydney Airport 20 year Master Plan

[Gerard M]

Interesting article on some peoples doubts that Sydney Airport will not be able to cope with the increased demand over the next 20 years. I know its been covered in the previous thread but any White Paper release of the location for the second airport yet? Or is it still toooo early for it to be released.

AN EXPERT report is set to cast doubt on claims by debt-laden Sydney Airport that it can handle a more than doubling of passengers to 79 million a year over the next 20 years. Such doubt will bolster the case for speeding up plans for a second airport for the city.
The findings are also expected to highlight the need for the Macquarie Group-controlled Sydney Airport to inject more funding into infrastructure over the longer term at Kingsford Smith, which is frequently criticised as one of the world's most expensive airports.
http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/airports-20year-plan-has-its-doubters-20090616-cglx.html

[D Chan]

my bet is they will spend another 10 years debating the site of a new airport before they do anything productive..

[Karl M]

Why do they need to go & build a second airport?

Have they not heard of land reclamation? Botany Bay awaits them!;)

[Kelvin R]

Or Nationalisation? Just take Sydney Airport back from MAP for a bargain and give it back to the Fed Govt to run after the airport falls over from its debt levels. ;)

[Andrew M]

Get rid of the curfew for starters.

[Malcolm Parker]

.......and move the cargo ramps onto the other side of Qantas drive for a expansion of the international terminal. When is that supposed to be started?

[Jarden S]

And build a fourth runway paralel to the east west runway to increase capacity for greater aircraft movements. Also lift the hourly cap from 80 movements to 120 movements.

[Nigel C]

Just where do you propose the fourth runway strip to be located? Don't forget, the current Port Botany expansion and associated works will impact heavily on the airspace further north than the current port setup.

Sorry, but it just ain't gonna happen.

[Philip Argy]

According to The Age, the Minister approved the 20 year plan this afternoon:

Govt approves Sydney airport plan
Adam Bennett

June 19, 2009 - 5:14PM
The federal government has approved a 20-year master plan for Sydney Airport, saying it will maintain the existing curfew and cap on flights.
Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the government would continue to explore options for a second airport, something Qantas says will be a necessity.
The plan allows the airport to increase the proportion of its site used for aviation purposes from 86 to 91 per cent, expand freight handling facilities and provide more gates at the domestic and international terminals.
"Sydney Airport Corporation plans to further develop the site in order to support the aviation activities so critical to the economy," Mr Albanese said in a statement on Friday.
"Already, this critical piece of aviation infrastructure handles about a third of the nation's air traffic, generates approximately $8 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than 200,000 jobs."
He added: "The government is absolutely committed to maintaining the existing cap on movements as well as the curfew".
He said the airport's long-term traffic forecasts were "further evidence that Sydney will require new airport capacity".
The master plan says passenger numbers will increase by 4.2 per cent each year, reaching 78.9 million passengers arriving on 427,000 flights by 2029.
"My approval of the master plan does not indicate acceptance that the airport can and should handle the projected growth in traffic," Mr Albanese said.
"Such traffic volumes would place considerable added pressure on those communities living around the Airport.
"The national interest dictates that Sydney will need new airport capacity."
No Aircraft Noise president Allan Rees labelled Mr Albanese's approval of the plan "pathetic" and "weak", saying it would lead to more flights and more noise.
He also dismissed claims that noise from the airport will decrease from 2024 due to larger, quieter planes.
"The airport is saying the noise will drop between 2024 and 2029 - big deal, it's getting worse to 2024, but 2029 will be much worse than now," he told AAP.
"The number of planes will swamp the individual improvements in aircraft."
Sydney Airport welcomed the plan, with chief executive Russell Balding saying facilities such as terminals, hangars and car parks would be progressively upgraded over the next 20 years.
Qantas said the plan's approval provided certainty about the airport's development, with the airline also supporting the push for a second airport.
"Sydney Airport is Australia's principal aviation hub and will remain a key piece of infrastructure as far as the Qantas Group's operations are concerned," Qantas spokesman David Epstein said.
"It is timely to start now on looking at a site for a second airport in the Sydney basin to ensure that future international and domestic aviation growth opportunities can be realised."
Mr Albanese said the NSW government had also been invited to take part in a study to look at ways of increasing the city's airport capacity, including consideration of options for a second airport.
"It will also consider the future of the Badgerys Creek site given the government has ruled it out as an option for a second airport," he said.
The study's final terms of reference will be outlined in the National Aviation White Paper expected to be released later this year, Mr Albanese said.

[D Chan]

a second airport would be great for airlines and passengers. Having a second airport would offer more options for passengers and more importantly for airlines - AND it will break the monopoly thus pushing down those airport charges.

Suffice to say Macq won't be too eager for that to happen!

[Mike W]

Hence this comment Sydney Airport welcomed the plan, with chief executive Russell Balding saying facilities such as terminals, hangars and car parks would be progressively upgraded over the next 20 years.

[Nigel C]

Irrespective of whether he thinks Sydney Airport is capable or otherwise of meeting 20 year forecasts, did you seriously expect Mr Balding to invite the Federal Government to build a second airport?

[Jarden S]

Just where do you propose the fourth runway strip to be located? Don't forget, the current Port Botany expansion and associated works will impact heavily on the airspace further north than the current port setup.

Sorry, but it just ain't gonna happen.

I know it will never happen. It could be built with todays technology similar to the new runway at Haneda on reclaimed land from the sea. In Japan its much easier to overcome enviromental objectors than here in Australia.

[Nigel C]

Forgetting the environmental objectors, how about the airspace objectors like the container wharves?

[Jethro H]

Suffice to say Macq won't be too eager for that to happen!
If a Sydney Western Airport is built, Macquarie have the first bids to operate as per the Act, they don't even have to waste time and tender for it!

AIRPORTS ACT 1996 - SECT 18
Sydney (Kingsford-Smith) Airport and Sydney West Airport to be under common ownership
(1) The Commonwealth must not grant an airport lease under section 13 of this Act, or under section 22 of the Airports (Transitional) Act 1996 , for Sydney (Kingsford‑Smith) Airport or Sydney West Airport unless each of the airport‑lessee companies is a subsidiary of the same company.....

[Nigel C]

It'd be funny (or legally interesting) if they decided to build one to the north or south of Sydney...;)

[Adam P.]

So would Richmond be a north, a West or a North-West airport??

[Nigel C]

It can work if you have the real estate to begin with (as both Melbourne and Brisbane do). Of all the major airports in the country, Sydney has one of the smallest land masses of them all.
No matter how you look at it, dramatically changing its current layout will be difficult.

[Philip Argy]

What if there is a significant technological advance, such as something that would allow VTOL/STOL to be economical for regular passenger services? I'd have thought something along those lines quite likely, which would enable a higher number of movements to be accommodated within the existing airport infrastructure.

[Owen H]

Philip,

If you wait long enough, maybe someone will have the money to look at that, but practically speaking its not going to happen in the near future. There are large technological hurdles associated with that, along with the fact that you always have to accomodate the "older" style aircraft, so you can't go ripping up runways to make more room. 20 years is a long time, however unless the curfew is relaxed, and the airport movement rate is increased, along with some more gates, the airport will reach its practical capacity far quicker than that.

The location of Sydney airport is great, however there are certainly noise restrictions associated with it, and I can't see any government having the guts to increase movement rates or remove the curfew, and so they need another option.

I really do think that they need to spend up now, and build an airport and put in a high speed rail link back into the city. My choice? Holsworthy.

[Nigel C]

Holsworthy and surrounds would be too ravenous, wouldn't it?

[Owen H]

There is already an airfield there, and while you would need to do some significant "earth works" I can't see why it wouldn't work (apart from kicking the military out).

At least there isn't anyone there to complain about the noise ;)

[Jethro H]

It'd be funny (or legally interesting) if they decided to build one to the north or south of Sydney...;)
Yes it would. I can not find a definition of "Sydney West Airport", but since the Act was written in 1996 I would only assume can only relate to Badgery's Creek as then the government were 100% committed :rolleyes: to Badgery's. But I guess little Johnny thought he might loose some seats in Western Sydney which always bring back to the argument that no one (except most of us :) ) don't want an airport near them.... but they still want the convenience of having one!

So I would guess the lawyers will have fun when they decide on a new airport away from Badgery's Creek who can operate it... or they just change the Act!

[D Chan]

perhaps in 10 years time when engines become even quieter than today it will be possible to dismantle the curfew? it's a long shot having the curfew extended past 11pm will help a lot

[Nigel C]

Two words....political suicide.

[Gerard M]

I just read in my local Hills News paper that Qantas have previously remained silent on which location they preferred for a second airport and have now come out and said that they prefer Richmond. Either way, i can only see it heading the same way as the Hills rail link and all those other great projects that the government so nicely promised to us all, yet they are nowhere to be seen.

[Kurt A]

Australian Government approves Sydney Airport’s master plan

• Australian Government approves 20-year plan to improve passenger experience and increase efficiency at Sydney Airport
• Plan will meet forecast demand of 74 million passengers in 2033
• Ground transport improvements and new integrated terminal precincts will ensure Sydney Airport remains Australia’s premier international gateway

Sydney Airport today welcomed the Australian Government’s approval of its Master Plan 2033. The master plan outlines Sydney Airport’s plan for the operation and development of Australia’s premier airport for the period to 2033 and beyond.

“Sydney Airport is one of Australia’s most important pieces of infrastructure and is a vital economic engine for Sydney, NSW and Australia,” Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer, Kerrie Mather, said.

“The initiatives we outline in the Master Plan 2033 will meet the needs of our customers by delivering a superior passenger experience, improving the efficiency of the airport, enhancing safety and maximising capacity at Sydney Airport.

“The approved master plan will cater to the forecast demand of 74 million passengers in 2033, an increase from the 38 million passengers we handled in 2013.

“The plan includes innovative ground transport solutions developed in collaboration with the NSW Government that will significantly improve access to the airport and road traffic flow around it. We’ve also proposed significant upgrades to our public transport facilities to facilitate more public transport services.

"We’ve already commenced planning work on improving traffic flow and reducing congestion to the airport, including a new road and exit for T1. The remaining ground transport works – including a new one-way ring road for the T2/T3 precinct – are expected to be completed by 2018, with works commencing shortly.

“In addition, we welcome the Australian and NSW governments’ commitment to the construction of WestConnex as a high priority, which will significantly improve access to Sydney Airport from the growth centres of Western Sydney.

“Since our previous master plan was approved in 2009, we’ve been listening to our passengers, airline partners, the aviation industry, government, tourism stakeholders, the business sector and the local community.

“We’ve consulted widely with the community throughout the two-year development of our new master plan, facilitating and attending more than 450 meetings with stakeholders to seek their feedback.

“Our stakeholders have recognised that this far exceeded consultation undertaken for any previous Sydney Airport master plan, with hundreds of people attending our 20 community information sessions in public areas around Sydney Airport.

“Sydney Airport has invested around $2.4 billion since 2002, which has delivered increased service levels, enhanced safety and security, improved environmental outcomes and increased capacity to meet demand.
“According to a study by Deloitte, Sydney Airport generates or facilitates the equivalent of six per cent of NSW’s economic activity and almost 300,000 jobs. This is forecast to increase to over 400,000 jobs by 2033, with each additional A380 service from China contributing an estimated $388 million of GDP and 5,000 jobs.

“The airport is located just eight kilometres from the CBD, and less than 10 kilometres from major tourist attractions including the iconic Sydney Harbour and our beaches. This prime location gives our city and our state a unique advantage when attracting international business and tourism visitors to Australia.

“We look forward to continuing to work with our stakeholders and the community to implement our plans and deliver a superior passenger experience.”

Sydney Airport will finalise details of the Master Plan 2033 with the federal government, before publishing the plan on the airport’s website within 50 business days as outlined in Section 86 of the Airports Act 1996.
-syd airport

[Kent Broadhead]

I can only access the fact sheets. Does anyone have access to the full plan, especially the section on efficient free shuttle services between the two alliance precincts?

[Kurt A]

Sydney Airport will finalise details of the Master Plan 2033 with the federal government, before publishing the plan on the airport’s website within 50 business days as outlined in Section 86 of the Airports Act 1996.

- syd airport

[Kent Broadhead]

Thanks Kurt. Looking forward to it. Inter-terminal transfers are bad enough currently, although I don't expect them to improve, and certainly not free shuttles like modern service oriented airports

[NathanJ]

Could this development be why the current government are stalling on the badgery's creek decision again?

[Justin L]

Looking forward to following the progress of the changes. Used all three terminals at SYD during a recent visit back to Australia for the first time in two years and after the absence noticed the following changes:

T1: While the renovations are an improvement, it solidifies the terminal as shopping mall first, airport second.

T2: Liked the extension to the Virgin T2 pier with the international connection lounge, but the international terminal transfer bus was the T-Bus that went back on the external airport roads and Qantas Drive and subject to Sydney traffic. Why not have it like QF have (had?) from T3 with an airside transfer bus, or how Ansett also had the airside bus to T1 from T2?

T3: Still a nice terminal and I like that Qantas Link is now all in T3 with the mainline flights. But the terminal signage has all different fonts and sizes covering old lettering and looks messy and unprofessional. And the A380 mock over the travelator is really tacky! Also, the destination screens above the gates in the round rotunda gate area are really small and you can't read the destination without being right up at the podium.

[Matthew Chisholm]

Could this development be why the current government are stalling on the badgery's creek decision again?

No, they are consulting with the Liberal MP's whos seats are in and around the area to further consult with their electorate before making a final decision.

[NathanJ]

Sounds like trouble! We shall soon see...

[Eddy B]

With the increasing size of aircraft and a 4km extra angled take off runway it may be possible to eliminate the need for a second airport within the Sydney basin.
As contractors generally cover their risk with high quotes it may be cheaper for the federal government to buy two TBM to drive the subways from KSA to Parrahub with the state government paying for the rest and using the 6mt excavated to build the extra runway.
Because KSA would benefit from this they could pay for a launch box 50m below sea level in competent stone eventually fitted with a bank of big lifts.
If the tradeoff was more jobs for Mascot and a five minute subway to Parramatta then residents around Botany may accept another runway being built in their harbour.

[Kurt A]

Statement on secondary airport


The Australian Government has today announced the decision to select Badgerys Creek as the location for Sydney’s secondary airport.

As outlined in today’s announcement by the Australian Government, significant infrastructure works need to be undertaken on and around the site for the proposed secondary airport.

It is important that a secondary airport be developed as demand requires, with priority placed on planning supporting infrastructure including roads, rail, public transport options, aviation fuel pipelines and utilities.

Extensive local community and stakeholder consultation will be a vital part of that process.

Sydney Airport has a Right of First Refusal which sets out a detailed process that will be worked through as and when appropriate. In the meantime, we will continue to engage in constructive discussions with the federal government.

In the interests of the travelling public, airlines and our shareholders, Sydney Airport will apply appropriate commercial and financial discipline throughout any process.

Sydney Airport’s approved Master Plan 2033 shows that we can meet forecast demand of 74 million passengers in 2033. Together with government, stakeholders, airline partners and the community, we are focused on improving the customer experience, increasing efficiency and enhancing capacity at Sydney Airport.


Contact:
Laura Stevens SACL