Melbourne third runway will provide crucial extra capacity: AAA
21-Nov-2012 The Australian Airports Association (AAA) has welcomed Melbourne Airport's announcement of its preferred orientation for its third runway, saying the proposed new runway will provide much needed additional capacity to keep up with forecast passenger growth for the region.
AAA Chief Executive Officer, Ms Caroline Wilkie, said that as an island nation, Australia's core industries such as tourism and trade are reliant on airports to ensure their continued growth.
"Each international flight landing at Melbourne Airport contributes just under a quarter of a million dollars in visitor spending in the Victorian economy.
"The commitment of airports to continue delivering major infrastructure development such as this new runway in Melbourne, will ensure the growth of these industries are not restrained, but able to continue growing and contributing to the economic development of our country," Ms Wilkie said.
Over the next decade Australia's major airports are expected to deliver an additional $9 billion in privately-funded infrastructure, in new runways, terminals, taxiways, roads and other aviation-related developments.
According to a Deloitte Access Economics report released by the AAA this year, Australia's airports contribute $17.3 billion to the national economy each year, and deliver over 115,000 jobs. Melbourne Airport itself directly supports 14,300 jobs.
Ms Wilkie said construction of the third runway is necessary to serve Melbourne effectively in its role as a global city and destination.
"Melbourne Airport is the gateway to Victoria, and as such the delivery of this third runway will play a critical role in supporting Victoria's prospects for future growth.
"We encourage business and the local community to support Melbourne Airport as it embarks on the planning, approval and delivery of this important project," she said.