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Launceston Airport has officially opened its new Taxiway Foxtrot, which can accommodate aircraft as large as the Airbus A321.
The $5 million taxiway, which began construction in April, required more than 6,000 cubic metres of material to be excavated, as well as the laying of 2,200 square metres of specialist concrete. It has now opened in time for Christmas freight, with Qantas A321s already touching down.
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“This is the first new airfield infrastructure constructed at Launceston Airport since the runway was extended in 1964 and it will future-proof freight operations here for decades to come,” Launceston Airport chief executive, Katie Cooper, said.
“We have some of the best local producers in the nation at our door and this ensures we can get more of their amazing products from pallet to plate this Christmas. Tasmania exported more than $6 billion of goods and services in 2023-24 and aviation played a key role in that.
“It’s wonderful to have Taxiway Foxtrot open ahead of the peak summer freight period to support exporters reaching more high value markets.
“Carrying out works in a live airport environment is tough and our construction partners at Fulton Hogan did a brilliant job delivering this project on time but more importantly they’ve done so while prioritising safety.”
The taxiway comes alongside Launceston’s terminal upgrade project, which will add three new food and beverage outlets and increase passenger amenities.
“As part of the project, the Departure Hall’s footprint will be expanded to increase the leisure space for travelling passengers,” the airport said in February.
“Three amenity blocks will undergo a complete refresh, and modern traveller conveniences such as fast Wi-Fi and charging points will be added in addition to more seating for passengers wanting to take in the airport’s spectacular views.”
Speaking at the time, then-CEO Shane O’Hare said that when completed, the terminal will become a “world-class departures experience”.
“Launceston Airport has been Tasmania’s tourism gateway for 94 years and as we embark on an ambitious vision for the future it’s important that we celebrate and embrace the incredible history of this airport,” he said.
“This will be the biggest renovation of our terminal in almost 20 years and marks a new chapter in Launceston Airport’s history.
“These works, blending modern infrastructure design elements that capture our unique Tasmanian identity, are another step towards a complete terminal redevelopment which began with our $14 million Check-in Hall and security screening project and will continue next year in our Arrivals Hall.”
