Newcastle Williamtown Airport CEO outlines long-term international plans

Australia's Newcastle Williamtown Airport CEO Paul Hughes, speaking at the CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation Summit, stated (09-Aug-2013) the airport is well positioned to take advantage of forecast growth in passenger traffic over the next 12 to 24 months. Mr Hughes said the airport plans to provide a link to all capital cities in Australia and described Adelaide and Perth as "very strong prospects." The airport also intends to seek connections to leisure destinations including Cairns and Mackay. Mr Hughes also said the airport has a long-term goal to become a second international airport for New South Wales and hopes to provide services to New Zealand. Mr Hughes said the airport is starting to see strong activity in the Chinese market. Mr Hughes said the customs, immigration and quarantine requirements for international operations would require a significant investment of AUD5 to 10 million (USD4.5 to 9.1 million) and the airport faced a dilemma of when to commit funds. The airport may seek government support to realise its international plans. [more - original PR]