Providing a logical and staged approach to further development of the land within the Devonport Airport boundary, positioning the Airport as a key tourism and business gateway to Tasmania's North West.
Posted
18 November 2022
TasPorts’ vision to position Devonport Airport as a key tourism and business gateway to Tasmania’s North West and Cradle Coast now has a Master Plan to bring it to life.
The Devonport Airport Master Plan 2035 – which provides a logical and staged approach to further development – has been officially released.
The plan prioritises land use for aviation activities in an identified airside precinct, based on a 2010-metre-long runway length that could, for example, provide for non-stop unrestricted payload jet services to Brisbane.
Land has been preserved to extend the runway within the airport boundary should the need arise to operate aircraft requiring a longer runway length.
The Master Plan also references non-aviation activities for the site, including a terminal precinct (airport building, rental car buildings, future commercial buildings), passenger terminal (upgraded in 2020 but incorporating other pragmatic and cost-effective improvements), commercial (possible freight and logistics, processing works, storage, maintenance and assembly activities) and tourism and recreational.
The chief executive officer of TasPorts, the airport’s owner/operator, Anthony Donald, said the plan was designed to position Devonport Airport as the airport of choice for business, travellers and tourists visiting the North West and Cradle Coast Regions.
“We know the popularity of the area is increasing, particularly with investors, as evidenced by the opening of the $49 million Accor Novotel Hotel in Devonport, which in turn signals the ability to host national gatherings at the city’s Paranaple Convention centre,” he said.
“And now through the Master Plan, we have a clear vision for the airport’s future and that’s to build the profile of the vital link that it provides between the region and Melbourne.”
“It has been prepared taking account of demand forecast, as well as critical infrastructure requirements to support future aviation activity.”
Mr Donald said in 2020 significant work was completed to upgrade the passenger terminal.
“Works included a new departure lounge with airside views, a new security checkpoint for passengers, apron re-marking and the creation of a dedicated freight apron,” he said.
“The Master Plan provides a framework to position the airport for further improvements that will deliver better economic returns through enhanced aviation-related and regional economic activity.”
The airport, which is compliant to conditions set out by the Department of Home Affairs, Aviation Maritime Security, also features aircraft maintenance and storage hangars, refuelling facilities for airline and general aviation aircraft, a Civil Aviation Safety Authority certified aerodrome.
During 2021/22 the airport managed 1622 commercial passenger flights that carried 46,581 passengers. Serviced by two airlines, it is already critical link between the North West coast and Melbourne.