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Adelaide Airport has announced that it has acquired two new 1.4 million litre fuel storage tanks and associated infrastructure.
The airport has partnered with German-based fuel services provider Skytanking to operate and maintain what will now be dubbed the Adelaide Airport Aviation Fuel Facility, which will not only account for the new tanks, but also Adelaide’s existing Joint User Hydrant Installation.
The airport said the new acquisition will allow the airport to provide “open and transparent” access to aviation fuel, and that it will be looking for opportunities to contribute to the “transition to future sustainable aviation fuels”.
Adelaide Airport executive general manager finance and corporate Brenton Cox welcomed the announcement and noted that it will put the airport in a strong position moving forward, with new ability to provide “uninterrupted fuel supply, maintain safety levels and undertake appropriate environmental management practices”.
“This acquisition supports our long-term vision to contribute to more sustainable aviation through biofuels and for integrated fuel infrastructure,” Cox said.
“The fuel storage facility is the gateway to the Adelaide Airport’s fuel supply infrastructure and, as such, our ownership will create open access, which will help foster new entrant competition at the airport.
“This greater competition for fuel supply was recently identified as a priority by the Productivity Commission.”
Cox also welcomed the new partnership with Skytanking to operate and maintain the fuel supply infrastructure.
“Skytanking has significant global experience in operating airport fuel facilities and has demonstrated a clear strategy to transition the operation of the storage and hydrant infrastructure to ensure continuity of safe, reliable jet fuel supply at Adelaide Airport,” he said.
Cox, the airport’s long-serving head of finance, is due to step up into the role of managing director this month.
It comes after his predecessor, Mark Young, announced his retirement two months ago following a decade in the top job.
Chairman Rob Chapman said Cox will bring considerable experience and understanding of the airport’s operations from his previous role.
“Mr Cox has played a key role in managing Adelaide Airport’s expansion and significant passenger growth pre-COVID, and subsequently the airport’s response to COVID over the past 18 months,” Chapman said.
According to Chapman, Cox has led a number of initiatives in his eight-year tenure at the airport and will continue to lead Adelaide Airport out of the pandemic.
“Mr Cox has demonstrated a clear vision for the growth of Adelaide Airport as we emerge from the pandemic, from an aeronautical, property and business development perspective,” Chapman said.
Mark Young will continue with the airport until 10 December, after transitioning to a non-executive director outside of Adelaide Airport.
