[Jarden S]

Hobart Airport 2009 -2029

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The Master Plan for Hobart Airport for the period 2009 -2029 has just been released for comment. Article covering the release from The Mercury Newspaper.

DIRECT flights to New Zealand and Asia are on the radar for Hobart Airport.

Aerobridges are also planned to end the outdoor walks to and from the aircraft and there will be more shops.

Hobart International Airport Pty Ltd has released its draft master plan to 2029, which includes a possible $1.1 billion terminal upgrade.

With a forecast growth in passenger numbers of about 4 per cent annually, the airport predicts movements will increase from 1.82 million in 2008 to 4.25 million by 2029.

That would be an increase from the current 5500 daily passenger movements on 40 flights to 12,500 passengers per day on 88 flights.

Despite the recent $26 million terminal upgrade, the 20-year vision outlines need for further expansion, including the introduction of a passenger apron and aerobridges.

The plan highlights the issues that introducing aerobridges could pose given that the current terminal is only on ground level.

"In terms of engineering and design, aerobridges typically connect to the first floor of a terminal building, posing a potential level change issue for the airport if introduced in the future," the draft says.

The draft also gives "low, medium and high scenarios" for future growth in retail space in the terminal and on surrounding airport land.

"Under the low scenario 294,500sq m of commercial floor space is estimated to be developed over the 2009-29 period," it says.

"This floor space, along with terminal-based activity, is expected to grow employment at the airport from 250 currently to 2120, lifting the direct contribution in value added to the economy from its current level of $25 million to $175 million.

"The respective figures for the high scenario at 2029 are 373,000sq m of development, 3130 jobs and a direct contribution to the economy of $232 million."

Despite the last flight to New Zealand taking off in 1998, ending a 17-year relationship between Air New Zealand and Hobart, the draft plan predicts overseas flights will return as soon as 2012.

"It is anticipated that international regular passenger flights could commence between Hobart and New Zealand and Hobart and Singapore or Kuala Lumpur by 2012."

International traffic could eventually account for 8 per cent of all airport traffic.

The Preliminary Draft Master Plan is available for comment until October 16.

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