The airport, more than 1,500km north of Perth, is seeking to become the only regional gateway in Western Australia to host international routes to destinations such as Singapore and Bali, with previous services to Broome and Port Hedland having been axed.
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.
The inaugural UA207 service touched down in Adelaide at around 9:30am on Saturday morning aboard the 787-9 Dreamliner N29975. Flights will operate three times per week until March, with the possibility of later expansion.
The Tasmanian capital will see 11 per cent more passengers over the end-of-year peak than in 2024, boosted by route launches this year to destinations including Perth and Newcastle, with the state government also expanding its Aviation Attraction Fund.
Passengers with only carry-on baggage are now able to proceed directly from the airport’s skywalk into the new mezzanine screening area, which will have 10 lanes and is planned to be fully open to all passengers by Christmas.
Skyway, a joint venture between BMD Group and CPB Contractors, will carry out a major works package on the 3,000-metre runway, including earthworks, access roads, runways and taxiways, ground lighting, and other necessary infrastructure.