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| New look airport, up, up and away |
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THE official launch of Hobart airport’s redeveloped terminal has been described as playing a vital role in forming visitors’ first impressions of Tasmania well into the future.
 Premier Paul Lennon with airport chairman Peter Morgan and CEO of the Hobart airport Wayne Tucker. “More than 1.6 million people came through this airport last financial year – that’s 1.6 million opportunities to make an impression. “This upgraded terminal means we won’t need a second chance to make a good impression,” Mr Lennon said. The official launch was an important milestone for the company and its Board, chairman Peter Morgan said. “Today, Hobart Airport is a modern, world-class facility of which all Tasmanians can be proud, and it is also Tasmania’s only airport with 100 per cent screening of checked in baggage following the installation of checked bag security screening as required by the Federal Government,” he said. “The airport’s Board has overseen the investment of $23 million in new passenger facilities over the past three years. “As a result, the facility is more than ready to cope with expected increases in worldwide air passenger traffic. “It is worth noting that since work started on the redevelopment approximately three years ago, passenger volumes through the airport have increased by more than 33 per cent.” Mr Morgan said from the outset the company’s goal was to ensure Hobart Airport had the necessary facilities to efficiently handle expected passenger traffic increases. “The airport’s non-aeronautical property development work was an example of this forward planning,” he said. “Within the next two to three years we can expect to see significant development activities in this sector of our business. “This includes the proposed DFO outlet, hotel / motel, fuel retail and child care centre facilities. “We are confident that the new owner, whoever that may be, will be acquiring an airport well able to meet modern needs, particularly in the area of passenger comfort and security.” The airport has enjoyed a number of years of solid business growth with increased turnover, containment of costs and record passenger numbers. “Because of the unexpected growth in passenger numbers due to the arrival of Virgin Blue and Jetstar, it was necessary to bring forward the redevelopment works to ensure passenger comfort,” chief executive Wayne Tucker said. “While there was some minor disruption to airport customers and passengers given the size of the task undertaken, the result is a brand new and modern facility that has been well received by the people who use it. “Everyone involved in this major project is to be congratulated on the task – which was a difficult one given the need for the airport to continue operating during a time of unprecedented growth. Premier Lennon said the airport would play a vital role in forming visitors’ first impressions of Tasmania well into the future. “Hobart Airport has been our main gateway since 1956 and it is southern Tasmania’s window to the world,” he said. “Hobart Airport is quite literally the first thing many visitors to Tasmania will see. Mr Lennon said the arrival of Jetstar and Virgin Blue in the market had presented challenges for the airport’s redevelopment, but the final design was a credit to its board. Over the last nine years, Tasmania’s tourist numbers increased from about 500,000 per year to more than 800,000 per year, directly injecting more than $1.1 billion per annum into Tasmania’s economy.
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