Australian Airports Association

When international flights arrive at our Australian airports, their landing order is determined by air traffic control on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. It’s a queuing system that works for many businesses, however for our industry it doesn’t always deliver the best outcomes. There can be times when flights from overseas destinations are running low on fuel and can’t remain in a holding pattern as long as domestic flights. The Australian Airports Association supports a change to the current approach to allow for long haul international flights from the Americas and Europe to be prioritised when air traffic control holding exceeds 10 minutes. We believe this is a sensible move that will uphold Australia’s image for tourists and airlines alike, while lessening the chance of onerous diversions that add immense pressure to airline crew and border officials dealing with added complexities of international travel. Read more about the proposed change in The Australian: https://lnkd.in/grmPfyWV #Airports #AustralianAirports #AirTrafficControl #Aviation #Reform Simon Westaway Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Sydney Airport Melbourne Airport Brisbane Airport Corporation Perth Airport Canberra Airport

✈️ A big step forward for competition in Australian aviation today! ✈️ Bookings are now open for Virgin Australia's new services to Europe via Doha as part of its proposed alliance with Qatar Airways. This deal offers the chance to introduce further capacity and greater choice for Australian travellers and international tourists, along with an increase in airfreight capacity. While it still requires further regulatory approval, Qatar Airways’ bid for a stake in Virgin Australia presents a rare and valuable opportunity to boost overseas travel options. There are now 60 international airlines operating services to and from Australia and the improved competition ultimately leads to better airfares. Other announcements this week, such as Jetstar Airways' expansion into the Pacific, All Nippon Airways' switch to year-round Perth Airport flights, or China Southern Airlines' return to Adelaide Airport Limited, are all examples of how more competition helps deliver better deals for the flying public. You can read the AAA’s previous submission on the Virgin-Qatar deal here: https://lnkd.in/g9KW4vEr #AustralianAviation #Airports #AustralianAirports #InternationalAirlines #Competition #Tourism Simon Westaway

✈️ Get your applications in quick! ⏳ There’s only one week left to submit funding requests in the latest round of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program (RAUP).   The important grants program allows organisations and community groups to carry out upgrade works to improve the safety and accessibility of remote airstrips.   This helps ensure residents of remote communities have access to essential goods and services, including urgent medical care.    Works can include weather improvements, such as sealing or resealing runways to ensure air operators can land safely, or lighting for night-time landings.   The Federal Government has expanded eligible projects to support improved access to air services for people with a disability. Grants are between $5,000 and $4 million, covering 50% of eligible costs, or 100% for Indigenous-owned and/or operated aerodromes that meet certain requirements. 📅 Applications close 5pm, Friday 13 December: 👉 Apply now: https://lnkd.in/g46ENUux #RemoteCommunities #RAUP #AviationSafety #AccessibleTransport #IndigenousAustralia #GrantFunding #Auspol #Airports Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts ✈️🌏

The festive season is fast approaching and with it comes the holiday rush at Australia’s airports as millions of passengers travel domestically and internationally. The Australian Airports Association (AAA) has teamed up with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force with tips on how to travel safely in the coming weeks. Passengers are urged to be mindful of staff and others in their journeys and AFP officers will be highly visible at airports during the holiday season. AAA CEO Simon Westaway said it was important for travellers to be prepared, particularly with some terminals undergoing future-proofing upgrades. “The festive season and New Year is a very busy time at airports around the country,” Mr Westaway said. “There are billions of dollars’ worth of critical infrastructure upgrades now underway at many local airports and the necessary construction works could change the journey of passengers through terminals. “We simply ask all travellers to plan ahead, be patient and respectful to hard-working aviation staff and be considerate of others.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gZ3cNEcK #Airports #AustralianAirports #HolidayTravel #StaySafe #AirportSecurity #HappyHolidays #AviationSafety #Aviation

And that's a wrap on our ✨ biggest ever ✨ AAA National Conference and Industry Expo, which saw a record number of registrations this year, with over 650 attendees! More than 100 speakers joined industry leaders and experts to map out the emerging future of Australian airports, share insights and ignite thought-provoking discussion on challenges and opportunities in the sector. Congratulations to the winners from the National Airport Industry Awards, plus a big thanks to all the nominees who entered! 🌟 And last but not least, thank you to all our members, exhibitors and of course our event partners who made the week such a success! 💙 Premium Partner - Fulton Hogan Platinum Partner - ADB SAFEGATE Host Airport Partner - Brisbane Airport Corporation Major and Women In Airports Scholarship Partner - PwC Major Partner - SITA Gold and Display Stage Partner - Downer Gold Partner - Mastercom Australia Silver Partner - Civil Aviation Safety Authority Silver Partner - INFORM GmbH - Optimization Software Silver Partner - Smiths Detection Bronze Partner - OneReg Bronze Partner - RETEX Pavement Services Bronze Partner - SKIDATA Bronze Partner - World Fuel Services Knowledge Lab Partner - Planned Performance Recovery Bar Partner - WTW Recharge Lounge Partner - Moreton Hire Connection Hub Partner - Hospitality Furniture Concepts + Arconas Networking Lounge Partner - Daifuku Oceania Aviation Security Stream Partner - ISS Facility Services Australia and New Zealand Tuesday Lunch Partner - SiteDE Coffee Station Partner - BMD Group Coffee Station Partner - ICS Service Solutions Evaluation Partner - Push My Button Regional Airport Scholarship Partner - Avdata Australia Emerging Airport Leader Scholarship Partner - AvLogix Solutions Media Partner - Infrastructure Magazine Gala Dinner Partner - Airbiz Gala Dinner Partner - Exolum National Airport Industry Awards | Innovation Award Partner - Lime Intelligence - Data to Decisions National Airport Industry Awards | Sustainability Award Partner - Beca We can't wait to see you next year in the Gold Coast, 1-4 December, for National Conference and Industry Expo 2025. #AAANC24 #NationalConferenceAndIndustryExpo #AirportsOfTomorrow #Aviation #Travel #Auspol #VisitorEconomy #InnovationAndExcellence #Airports #AustralianAirportsAssociation

What a night to celebrate the achievements of our members at the AAA National Airport Industry Awards 2024! Congratulations to all the winners and nominees who showcased their remarkable efforts from the past year. The event in Brisbane drew 81 nominations in 16 categories, acknowledging efforts across infrastructure, operations, leadership, innovation, sustainability and diversity. “We were thrilled to receive so many entries this year and it highlights the wide range of projects and improvements being carried out at Australian airports,” AAA CEO Simon Westaway said. Thank you to our event partners Airbiz and Exolum for their support of this wonderful event. There were award winners in four blocks: Airport Excellence Awards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership – Sunshine Coast Airport, QLD Operations – Canberra Airport, ACT Infrastructure – Airport Development Group, Darwin Airport, NT Sustainability – Sydney Airport, NSW Commercial – Perth Airport, WA Innovation – Townsville Airport, QLD Corporate Project of the Year Awards Small Regional Airport/Aerodrome – BildGroup Large Regional Airport – Fulton Hogan Major, Metro and Capital City Airport – Airbiz Emerging Airport Leader Award – Andrea Dobson, East Kimberley Regional Airport Airport of the Year Awards Small Regional Aerodrome of the Year - Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation, Djarindjin Airport, WA Small Regional Airport of the Year - Shire of East Pilbara, Newman Airport, WA Large Regional Airport of the Year - Broome International Airport, WA  Major Airport of the Year - Cairns Airport, QLD  Metro Airport of the Year - Archerfield Airport, QLD  Capital City Airport of the Year - Adelaide Airport Limited, SA Thank you to our Innovation Award Partner Lime Intelligence - Data to Decisions and our Sustainability Award Partner Beca. Read more on the award winners here: https://lnkd.in/gpJpdY44 #AAANAIA24 #NationalAirportIndustryAwards #CelebratingExcellence #AirportIndustry #NationalConferenceAndIndustryExpo #Airports #AustralianAirportsAssociation

A focus of the AAA National Conference and Industry Expo 2024 has been on the major investments being made in critical airport infrastructure in the years ahead. Our airport members across all corners of the nation are working on increasing their overall operational capacity and AAA Chair Kym Meys outlined the importance of this work to the national economy. Conference host airport, Brisbane Airport Corporation, is preparing to welcome a booming population, with 60 million passengers a year expected by 2050. To cater for this growth, it is investing $5 billion in 150 projects as part of the Future BNE program, including a third passenger terminal to be completed by the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff spoke about the airport’s plans at the Opening Plenary of the conference, as well as QLD Leader of the House Dr. Christian Rowan and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner on how the city will prepare for the Games. In an article penned for the conference in Infrastructure Magazine, AAA CEO Simon Westaway wrote about the $20 billion that will be spent on infrastructure projects to upgrade, expand or construct airports across the country from now until 2032. Read the story here: https://lnkd.in/gPHA3zU9 #AAANC24 #NationalConferenceAndIndustryExpo #AirportsOfTomorrow #Aviation #Travel #Auspol #VisitorEconomy #InnovationAndExcellence #Airports #AustralianAirportsAssociation Kym Meys

Last night the National Conference and Industry Expo Welcome Networking Function was a great reminder of the incredible talent and potential in our industry. Held within the Industry Expo, it was an invaluable opportunity to connect with industry leaders, innovators, and like-minded professionals. Thank you to our premium partner Fulton Hogan for making the event possible. We are excited for what’s to come as we dive into another full day of the 2024 National Conference. Looking forward to more thought-provoking discussions, new ideas, and valuable connections today! #AAANC24 #NationalConferenceAndIndustryExpo #AirportsOfTomorrow #Aviation #Travel #Auspol #VisitorEconomy #InnovationAndExcellence #Airports #AustralianAirportsAssociation

What an exciting first day at the 2024 National Conference and Industry Expo.    We kicked off with a dynamic line-up of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities that set the stage for an incredible event ahead.   We’re just getting started! Tomorrow’s schedule is packed with even more incredible speakers and thought-provoking discussions.   A big thank you to everyone who joined us for day one and helped make the opening sessions a great success.   Stay connected and keep the conversation going as we continue to explore how to build and improve the airports of tomorrow.   See you tomorrow for another action-packed day! #AAANC24 #NationalConferenceAndIndustryExpo #AirportsOfTomorrow #Aviation #Travel #Auspol #VisitorEconomy #InnovationAndExcellence #Airports #AustralianAirportsAssociation

The Australian Airports Association National Conference and Industry Expo 2024 is officially underway in Brisbane! The three-day program focuses on how we can shape the airports of the future and work toward a more sustainable, technologically-advanced, and passenger-centric aviation industry. AAA Chair Kym Meys opened the event this morning and spoke about how airports are leading the way and investing in critical infrastructure to ensure we can meet greater demand in the decades ahead. Conference attendees were also welcomed by this year’s host, Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff, Queensland Leader of the House Dr. Christian Rowan MP and Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. The fireside chat between Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus and Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka was another highlight of this morning’s session. Ms Hrdlicka discussed the rebuild of the airline after the COVID pandemic and the immense opportunities from the proposed Virgin-Qatar deal, describing it as “a milestone for the industry”. With such a momentous start to the 2024 Conference, we are looking forward to what the next few days have in store. Watch this space for all National Conference and Industry Expo updates. Find out more HERE: https://lnkd.in/evTk-bWN #AAANC24 #NationalConferenceAndIndustryExpo #AirportsOfTomorrow #Aviation #Travel #Auspol #VisitorEconomy #InnovationAndExcellence #Airports #AustralianAirportsAssociation