After six months of negotiation, both the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) and Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) have filed Protected Action Ballots at Express Freighters Australia, pushing commercial pilots that perform air freight work a step closer towards industrial action.
Speaking at the airport on Wednesday, the Transport Minister said that in order to minimise noise impact on surrounding communities, reciprocal runway operations (RRO) will be prioritised at night, with a specific noise abatement procedure employed, when it is safe to do so.
The new 190.24kW system, described as “a significant step towards the airport’s goal of achieving 50 per cent renewable energy use by 2030”, will reduce energy consumption in the terminal by 17 per cent and help Sunshine Coast Airport meet its scope 2 emissions targets, said CEO Chris Mills.
The former Qantas CEO, who left his role in controversial circumstances, has been listed for booking through several companies after largely vanishing from public life for the last 18 months.
The runway, which according to WSI will be able to serve 10 million passengers per year at its opening in 2026, is rated for up to Code F aircraft including the 747-8 and A380. It has been under construction since bulk earthworks contracts were awarded in 2019.
Parts from the retired Australian Defence Force helicopters were reportedly used in the currently in-service Royal New Zealand Air Force helicopters without grounding the fleet.