The Canberra Airport has flagged the Pacific Islands as a target market for future international services from Canberra as part of their 2020 Master Plan, with direct flights to the Americas also a long term possibility.
Over the life of the Plan, the airport also expects to see a restoration of flights on previously serviced regional routes as well as the commencement of services to new regional destinations.
Michael Thomson, Head of Aviation at Canberra Airport, said within the next five to eight years, Canberra Airport will be working to bring in more international and low-cost carriers, resulting in more passengers than ever before.
“The airport currently serves more than three million passengers per year, but those numbers are forecast to rise to more than nine million by 2040 if all goes to plan. Canberra Airport’s ethos is to invest early to provide room for growth.”
The Plan’s indicative timeframe for target international markets suggests future services within eight years could include Auckland, China, Vanuatu and Wellington, while within 20 years we could see flights to Bali, Bangkok, Christchurch, Dubai, Fiji, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Los Angeles, New York and Tokyo.
The 2020 Canberra Airport Master Plan sets out a 20-year strategic vision for the airport that will ensure appropriate development and cater for the future growth of the infrastructure asset. Proposed developments over the planning period include a freight hub and the continued growth of the airport’s business parks.
According to the Plan: “Our vision is to develop Canberra Airport as a first-class facility to serve the region’s evolving transportation, business and development needs and to maximise the growth of a wide range of aeronautical and other businesses.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said the Plan paved the way for better infrastructure and expanded capacity.
“The airport and these developments are expected to indirectly support more than 37,000 jobs and generate $6.8 billion in economic activity by 2028,” Mr McCormack said.
The 2020 Master Plan has been approved by the Federal Government. It remains in force for eight years or until a new Master Plan is approved.
