Asia Pacific Medium Airport Of The Year: Brisbane Airport
This is awarded to the airport with 10 to 30 million annual passengers that has been the biggest standout strategically, has established itself as a leader and done the most to advance the progress of the aviation industry.
Brisbane Airport was selected for boosting the Asia market, by increasing the number of weekly frequencies by 50 to 137 in the period July 2016 to July 2019, a critical enhancement for Queensland and its tourism industry, which accounts for 4% of Queensland’s GDP. China has become the largest source market for Queensland while Japan is the third largest source market.
Together with Queensland and Brisbane tourism and economic development bodies, Brisbane has become a model for airport business development.
Secondly, for its innovative development of non-aeronautical businesses, and attendant revenues. For example, the BNE Auto Mall, of which stage one will open by 2021. It is a 300 million Australian dollar automotive precinct which will include a performance track, car dealerships, manufacturers and retail amenities and which will also service and sit alongside exhibition and conference facilities, hotels and driver training schools, which are all located next to the Brisbane Airport international terminal.
And finally, for being one of the leading airports in the world for on-time performance.
CAPA Chairman Emeritus Peter Harbison said: “Applying an important coordinated strategy with Queensland and Brisbane tourism and economic development bodies, Brisbane has become a successful model for airport business development. This has helped achieve a significant growth in international services to the airport, with attendant economic benefits to the city and the region.
Brisbane Airport Chief Executive Officer Gert-Jan de Graaff said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be recognised by industry experts and to receive the title of CAPA Asia Pacific Medium Airport of the Year 2019. Being a great airport is about more than building and managing safe, secure and efficient facilities. It’s also about advocating for our community and passengers and forming collaborative alliances to vie for new services, connecting people, creating communities, and developing opportunities through collaboration.”
“Community is well and truly at the heart of what we do at Brisbane Airport and I think this approach sets us apart in the industry,” Mr de Graaff added.