There will be an additional 25 domestic flights each week across five destinations - Cairns, Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine), Launceston, and Hobart.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) Chief Executive Officer, welcomed Virgin Australia’s commitment to tourism recovery and says it was good news not only for Brisbane Airport, but for the entire domestic network.

“Expanding services to meet pent up travel demand and ever-increasing consumer confidence is a positive sign that we are moving in the right direction,” Mr de Graaff said.

“Brisbane Airport is already the best domestically connected airport in Australia, but the addition of these services will allow us to connect even more people with places, support more regional tourism, and do more to stimulate the economy.

“Expanding frequencies to key leisure destinations like Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday Coast will deliver a huge boost to local businesses across Queensland that have been doing it tough throughout the pandemic,” Mr de Graaff said.

“With additional services to Hobart and Launceston, more Queenslanders will be able to explore their own backyard and experience Tasmania’s unspoilt landscape over the Easter break.”

Brisbane Airport has received international endorsement for its COVID Safe practices with Airports Council International (ACI) awarding it Airport Health Accreditation (AHA).

Hundreds of valuables go up for auction today, with bidding remaining open until Sunday 21 February.

For the third year running, all proceeds to be donated to The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund.

Despite a reduction in passengers travelling through Brisbane Airport’s International and Domestic Terminals last year due to COVID, many weird, wonderful, and valuable items were still accidently left behind by travellers.

While all efforts are made to return belongings to the rightful owners, unfortunately approximately two-thirds of these items remain unclaimed after the standard holding period.

Items like neck pillows, blankets, and fresh food are not logged as lost property. They are kept at the Visitor Information Centre desk, and if not collected, are disposed of.

More valuable items are held at the airport for 60 days and, if still unclaimed, are either donated to local charities or held and offered to members of the public in Brisbane Airport’s annual online Lost Property Auction.

This year, unclaimed items going under the hammer include suitcases, jewellery, laptops, headphones, surf boards, artwork, and a circular saw.

There is also an opportunity to purchase your very own piece of Brisbane Airport, with Movement Area Guidance Signs (MAGS) from Runway 01/19 (the legacy runway prior to its rename) and pieces of Brisbane’s new runway, Runway 01L/19R, up for grabs.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, said this year’s auction is better than ever as it features priceless items that cannot be bought anywhere else.

“Brisbane Airport’s online Lost Property Auction has always attracted wide attention from interested buyers, and this year we will be offering some pretty special items for those that love aviation as much as we do.

“In addition to the MAG signs and the runway pieces, bidders will have the chance to secure a year of free parking at Brisbane Airport and an exclusive airside tour with one of our Airside Operations Officers.

“Last year we raised $25,000, and while our passenger numbers have been heavily impacted, we hope the addition of unique aviation items will help us come close to matching that amount,” Mr de Graaff said.

Belinda MacPherson, Board Director of The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund, said the ongoing partnership with BAC provides crucial funds to children in need across Queensland.

“We are incredibly proud to be continuing our partnership with BAC this year. To be able to give charities the funds needed to provide vital care, services, facilities and aid to children in need across Queensland is more important than ever in these uncertain times.

“We are currently taking submissions for assistance from Queensland charities,” Ms MacPherson said.

Charities are encouraged to apply or find out more at: www.childrens.fund

The auction will be powered by BNE Marketplace – an eCommerce site developed by Brisbane Airport Corporation at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic to support in-terminal retailers.

All stock can be viewed online at www.bne.com.au/auction.

Bidding will take place online from today, Monday 15 February, and run through midnight on Sunday 21 February.

International traveller numbers decreased by nearly 5 million to 1.4 million passengers for the calendar year, resulting in a 78 per cent decrease on 2019. More than one million of these arrived in the first two months of the year.

Domestic passenger numbers were 6.7 million, a reduction of 62.5% or close to 11.1 million fewer passengers than 2019.

In total, BNE recorded 8.1m passengers for calendar year 2020, 66.6% down or 16.1m fewer passengers than 2019.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) Chief Executive Officer, said COVID had impacted many sectors, but none more so than aviation.

“It will take many years for us to recover from the impacts of the virus, the resulting border closures and decline in consumer confidence,” he said.

In pre-COVID 2019 BNE averaged 55,000 domestic passenger movements per day. When interstate borders were closed, BNE averaged 11,000 passengers per day. 

“At the height of border closures and travel restrictions, our Domestic Terminal recorded its quietest day ever with just 31 passengers on 12 April 2020, Easter Sunday,” Mr de Graaff said.

“After reaching the lows of 2020, our hope is 2021 brings the stability the industry requires to boost passenger confidence.

“Brisbane Airport remains the best-connected airport in the country and even during the hardest days of the lockdown, the airport kept its lights on supporting the resources sector’s fly in and fly out operations and ensuring valuable freight reached its destinations.

“It is critical that there is a sustained period in which domestic borders remain open as Brisbane Airport will continue to be the major gateway from other states to our regional areas, and it will take some time for the corporate market to return to pre-COVID levels.

“The recent mid-January period where Greater Brisbane was designated as a hotspot collapsed forward bookings and interstate travel. The forward outlook remains challenging and, of course, the traditionally buoyant Chinese New Year will not be possible.” Mr de Graaff said. 

The first 'safe travel zone' flight from New Zealand, one of Queensland's largest travel markets, was an important step to re-establishing international aviation activity. 

“We are eager to see quarantine-free travel in both directions across the Tasman as soon as possible. NZ is a critical market for Queensland and with other international destinations likely to remain off-limits for many months to come, it is even more important that the gates between Australia and New Zealand are opened.

“This could be the difference between survival and collapse for many hundreds of businesses across our state.

“We will work with all agencies and relevant partners on both sides of the ‘ditch’ to make this happen sooner rather than later.” Mr de Graaff said. 

International review

• BNE achieved 1,382,198 international passengers for Calendar year 2020, 78.2% down or 4,966,395 passengers less than 2019.

• As COVID-19 progressed in China and began to spread around the world, passenger traffic started to drop in February and March. From April 2020, international pax traffic was down 98% as COVID-19 really took hold globally.
• At the start of 2020, BNE had 29 airlines operating to 32 international destinations.

• By December 2020, there were 11 airlines offering scheduled passenger services to 10 destinations for a total of 30 scheduled services for the week. Most passengers were carried by just five airlines: Air New Zealand, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air Niugini and Singapore Airlines.
• With international borders essential closed and a weekly cap of 500 pax per week, remaining airlines have been predominantly focused on repatriation flights and freight in the second half of the year.

Domestic review

• Brisbane Airport recorded 6,668,993 domestic passengers for calendar year 2020, 62.5% down or 11,097,808 passenger less than 2019.
• At the beginning of 2020, BNE had 8 domestic airlines operating on average 1,400 weekly flights to 51 destinations.
• By December 2020, BNE had 7 domestic airlines operating to 37 destinations. BNE’s domestic schedule has slowly returned to 75% of pre COVID-19 levels, with an average of 1,002 weekly services.
• Average daily pax volumes reached 27,000 pax per day for the month December 2020, however this is still less than half the 2019 average of 55,000 average daily pax.

Brisbane Airport Traffic Performance – 2020 calendar year*

*The information contained in this document is for information purposes only. Brisbane Airport Corporation Pty Ltd (BAC) provides no warranty as to the content or accuracy of the information provided or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. BAC does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this document or for any loss of profit or other damages resulting from the use of this information.

The ACI AHA is a global benchmark, independently assessing an Airport’s alignment with ACI Aviation Business Restart and Recovery Guidelines, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council Aviation Restart Task Force recommendations, and industry best practice in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.

Brisbane Airport Corporation’s (BAC) Chief Executive Officer, Gert-Jan de Graaff said this accreditation recognised the commitment of BAC and all airport-based companies to meeting the challenge of COVID-19.

“The health and safety of our staff, passengers, and visitors to Brisbane Airport is our top priority. The ACI health accreditation recognises alignment with industry best practice, hopefully reassuring all users of the airport that BNE remains a safe place to be,” Mr de Graff said.

The accreditation assesses an airport’s facilities and hygiene protocols across all areas of the passenger journey (from the carpark to the physical boarding of an aircraft), in adherence to international aviation recommendations.

Brisbane Airport’s COVIDSafe Plan was developed in collaboration with Queensland’s Chief Health Officer to ensure practical and effective measures were implemented to ensure the safety of everyone at the airport.

“This global accreditation is an additional step in Brisbane Airport’s road to recovery, providing evidence to the public that we are ‘good to go’ for safe travel,“ Mr de Graaff said.

Brisbane Airport is the third Australian airport to receive the accreditation, joining Cairns Airport and Perth Airport.

Further information

The ACI Airport Health Accreditation:

• Enables airports to demonstrate to passengers, staff, regulators, and governments that they are prioritizing health and safety in a measurable, established manner;
• Enables airports to validate their own measures throughout their facilities and processes;
• Reassures the travelling public using the airport’s facilities;
• Promotes the recognition of professional excellence in maintaining safe hygienic facilities;
• Promotes best practices and aligns efforts across the industry; and
• Ensures harmonization between ICAO global guidance and industry implementation.

Accreditation is voluntary with a request to join the programme initiated by the airport.

A ‘safe travel zone flight’, also known as a ‘quarantine-free’ flight, means passengers do not need to hotel quarantine for fourteen days on arrival.

Mr de Graaff said this first ‘safe travel zone’ flight from one of Queensland’s largest travel markets is an important step to re-establishing international aviation activity.

“It is important to recognise the efforts of the State and Federal governments, relevant agencies, Air New Zealand and the Brisbane Airport team for making this flight happen.”

“While only a one-way ‘bubble’, we nonetheless expect these flights will bring families back together and support economic activity between New Zealand and our state,” Mr de Graaff said. “We look forward to the resumption of two-way travel between our countries soon and will work closely with all relevant bodies to ensure we are ready to go when that happens.

“As the result of Queensland’s outstanding management of COVID-19, I am very confident that these safe travel zone flights between Queensland and New Zealand will be a success and provide a blueprint for similar arrangements with other countries in the future.”

In 2019, around 1.5 million passengers flew between BNE and New Zealand with more than 100 flights per week. Future Air New Zealand safe travel zone flights are planned to take place on Saturday 9th January (NZ145), Monday 11th January (NZ149), Wednesday 13th January (NZ149) and Saturday 17th January (NZ145).

The Domestic Terminal tomorrow (11 December) will see more than 16,000 arrivals and 14,000 departing passengers from a total of 309 flights.  

Off the back of interstate borders reopening, there has been a significant week-on-week increase in interstate passenger volumes, jumping from 118,008 total passengers during the week commencing 23 November, to 155,875 during the week commencing 30 November. 

While there have been significant increases, average daily domestic passenger numbers are still down 55 per cent when compared to the same time last year.  

Gert-Jan de Graaff, BAC Chief Executive Officer, said the last few weeks show there has been pent-up demand for travel with airlines putting on additional capacity. 

“After what has been an incredibly slow and challenging year for Brisbane Airport and the wider aviation industry, it is a most welcome sight to see the Domestic Terminal spring back to life. 

“We still have some way to go before we reach complete recovery of our domestic network, but the last few weeks have shown Australians are ready and willing to explore our beautiful state and country once more.  

“I commend the public for their commitment to travelling safely, using hand sanitisers and distancing whenever possible. Everyone has an obligation to do everything they can to protect each other’s health. This is what will allow us all to keep travelling.

“I assure all travellers that health safety remains at the forefront of everything we do at Brisbane Airport,” Mr de Graaff said.  

Since the border re-opening to Greater Sydney and Victoria, Sydney and Melbourne flights have jumped to top position in popularity at BNE. Sydney flights are up fivefold from an average of 5 to 26 per day (more than 180 per week) while Melbourne is increasing tenfold from two to 20 flights per day.  

The Brisbane Airport domestic network also remains Australia’s largest, with connections to 50 cities and regional centres across Australia, providing critical and unique links to Queensland regional cities to key interstate markets. 

Everyone has a role to play in minimising the spread of COVID-19. Some simple things you can do to prepare for your next trip: 

• Go contactless - check-in to your flight online, book your parking ahead of time and use contactless payment where possible 

• Leave space - keep practicing physical distancing - we've got reminders for you, but ultimately, you're in control of your own space 
• Practice good hygiene - wash or sanitise your hands regularly 
• If you are not feeling well - stay home and consider getting tested. 

Check our website for more information and tips: https://www.bne.com.au/passenger/passenger-information/covid-19-coronavirus  

Despite the promising opening to the year, overall passenger numbers at Brisbane Airport (BNE) decreased by 24.5 per cent year-on-year to a total of just under 17.9 million, with the novel coronavirus global pandemic bringing the aviation industry to a near standstill.

Strong international passenger growth in the first seven months of FY20 was halted when government-imposed restrictions came into effect from March 2020, resulting in a year end 25 per cent drop in international travellers to a total of 4.6 million through BNE.

Similarly, strong domestic growth throughout the first seven months of FY20 ended with state border closures from March 2020 onwards and a resulting 95 percent drop in passengers by April to a total of 13.2 million in FY2020.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) Chief Executive Officer, said, “What was to be an historic and momentous year for Brisbane Airport with the opening of our new runway became a year we will never forget for quite different reasons.

“The impact has been very significant for airports as well as for airlines and the millions of people whose livelihoods are reliant on the services provided by the aviation industry.

“While we are seeing a glimmer of hope with slowly growing schedules and passengers, full recovery to pre-COVID passenger numbers will take many, many years.

“While COVID continues to present much uncertainty in terms of border closures and travel restrictions, there is one thing I am certain of, the resilience of the aviation industry, and the adaptability of our team.

“Throughout the COVID crisis, the BAC team has met all challenges with courage, care, collaboration and creativity.

“We have kept the lights on and our airfield fully operational during the darkest of days, ensuring essential health, repatriation and freight flights could continue.

“We have supported our existing airline partners and facilitated others we do not usually see at BNE, including Egyptair, Nepal Airlines, Omni Air and South African Airways to repatriate travellers, as well as welcoming Qatar Airways.

“I am incredibly proud of how the BNE team, including our business partners and suppliers, has responded during these extraordinary times keeping operations going and passengers and staff safe.

“With the recent opening of our new runway giving us the most efficient runway system in Australia, Brisbane Airport is without a doubt the most important driver and catalyst for the city and state as we move together towards industry and economic recovery,” Mr de Graaff said.

International Review

The top growth markets for Brisbane during the first seven months of FY20 were Taiwan (+13.4%), China & Hong Kong (+11.3%), USA (+8.7%) and New Zealand (+4.5%).

The busiest day at the International Terminal was on 5 January 2020, with a record high of 24,412 passengers. On 4 May, 11 May, 15 June and 29 June, no passengers arrived at or departed from the International Terminal.

The greatest monthly passenger growth was experienced in November 2019 with 41,991 additional international travellers.

In July 2019, Royal Brunei Airlines commenced services between BNE and Banda Seri Begawan, with Qantas launching flights to/from San Francisco in February.

Post March 2020, the main nationality groups at BNE included New Zealand (16.5%), UK (8.8%), South Korea (7.2%), Germany (7.1%) and Taiwan (5.0%).

Between April and June 2020, there were an average of 32 weekly scheduled flights, down from 699 between July and December 2019.

Domestic review

The busiest day at the Domestic Terminal was on 4 October 2019, with a record high of 63,525 arrivals and departures. At the height of border closures and travel restrictions, the Domestic Terminal recorded its quietest day with only 31 passengers on 12 April 2020.

The month with the greatest passenger growth was January 2020, with an additional 63,929 passengers compared to January 2019.

The full year decline in intrastate pax was smaller than the decline in interstate pax due to the continuation of FIFO travel and the lifting of intrastate travel restrictions in June 2020.

Passenger volumes in intrastate routes eclipsed passenger volumes between BNE and NSW ports for the first time since 2016.

Brisbane Airport Traffic Performance – FY20

*Excludes transits and transfers

The information contained in this document is for information purposes only. Brisbane Airport Corporation Pty Ltd (BAC) provides no warranty as to the content or accuracy of the information provided or for the consequences of any actions taken based on the information provided. BAC does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this document or for any loss of profit or other damages resulting from the use of this information.

Virgin Australia, BNE’s home carrier, had the honour of the first historic departure, flying to Cairns in celebration of Brisbane’s deep connection with the regions and Queensland’s tourism industry.  

Following an official ribbon cutting on the runway, invited VIP guests gathered airside with 150 Brisbane Airport Corporation staff and 10 local plane spotters, who won a place at the event in a lucky draw, to watch the first aircraft movements and sky show.  

In a first for an Australian capital city airport, the air space above BNE was briefly closed to allow the aerobatics display by ‘Fighter Pilot Adventure Flights’, a Brisbane-based private aircraft collection and flight experience company specialising in warbird operations. 

Flying at speeds of up to 500 kilometres per hour at an altitude of 100 metres the aerobatics display included a breath-taking series of linked manoeuvres, V-formation flying, and a tail chase. 

Harking back to Brisbane Airport’s historical past, the Great Nephew of pioneer Australian Aviator Bert Hinkler, Mitch Palm, joined the celebrations today.  

A copy of today’s The Sunday Mail was the last item added to a special Time Capsule, along with items donated by schools, elected officials, and members of the public. The sealed Time Capsule will be stored on display at BNE’s Kingsford-Smith Memorial until it is opened in 2070. 

BAC Chief Executive Gert-Jan de Graaff said, “It is with great pride we are commissioning Brisbane’s 01L/19R runway today, announcing it open for business. 

“This is more than just a formality and a slab of very expensive asphalt. When I look at that 3.3 kilometre stretch of runway, I see hope. 

“I see hope because I believe, absolutely, that travel is at the heart of modern society and the human need to explore means that ultimately nothing will keep us grounded forever.  

“While current world challenges mean less demand right now, the timing of this opening is fortuitous. Had we been any later, the project may have been delayed significantly creating more burden on the economy and dampening our spirits further.  

“Instead Brisbane is an ideal position to take advantage of all opportunities on the road to recovery from COVID. 

“Today we are making history. We are creating the future. And very soon, once again, we will be connecting the world.  

“We are generating the jobs of tomorrow. We are reuniting people. We are creating new opportunities. We are fuelling the economy. 

“And best of all, we are providing hope and inspiration. This runway is a beacon of hope for a very bright future. Our immediate future. The future of generations to come. 

“A future we are ready for. A future we welcome and a future our community deserves.  

“I acknowledge and thank every one of the thousands of people involved in the project. 

“From those 50 years ago, who had the foresight to include this runway in their planning, to those involved in the design and construction over the last two decades. 

“This runway is your legacy. You should be incredibly proud,” Mr de Graaff said. 

Fast Facts  

• The $1.1 billion privately funded project is the largest since the modern Brisbane Airport opened in 1988, and worth nearly as much as the price paid by Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) when it purchased the airport for $1.38 billion in 1997. 

• More than 3,740 people were involved in the construction phase, with a peak of 650 people on site in mid-2019. 

• Project Director, Paul Coughlan has overseen every aspect of the runway’s construction since December 2004. 

• 324 different subcontractors were engaged during the airfield works contract alone - 90 per cent of which were based in South East Queensland – putting in approximately 3.3 million manhours. 

• The runway, located on a 360-hectare site, is 3,300m long x 60m wide x 3.2m deep, with more than 12km of taxiways, 300 hectares of airfield landscaping and approx. 16km of drainage pipes. 

• 11 million cubic metres of sand was pumped (dredged and hydraulically placed) onto the site. 

• 330,000 wick drains measuring 8 million linear metres were installed (largest wick drain project in Australia). 

• Approx. 5,000,000m3 of earthworks were manually undertaken on site. 

• Approx. 260,000m3 of topsoil was generated from on site, supplemented with approx. 15,000m3 imported from local sources. 

• Approx. 750,000 tonnes of quarry products were used (sourced and transported locally). 

• Approx. 100,000 tonnes of aircraft grade asphalt were used (prepared on site from local products). 

• Approx. 380,000 tonnes of aircraft grade concrete were used (prepared on site from local products). 

• More than 1.2 billion litres of recycled water were used during construction and to irrigate the landscaping. 

• More than 6,780 litres of paint were used on the runway and taxiways, spanning 120 kilometres in length. With two coats of paint, there is enough paint to create a straight line between Brisbane and Hervey Bay. 

• The paint for the taxiways incorporated more than 1.3 tonnes of glass beads - tiny balls that help make the paint reflective. 

• Brisbane’s new runway is the first 100 per cent LED ‘Cat 1’ lighting system in the Southern Hemisphere. 

• Virgin Australia flight VA781 was piloted by Captain John Ridd and First Officer Troy Parker. Cpt Ridd is one of the initial group of pilots to start with Virgin Blue in 2000, he has flown the B737 exclusively and clocked up 20 years of service in July 2020. First Officer Parker flies B737, B777 and Embraer 170/190 and has just complete 10 years of services with Virgin Australia. 

• The vintage aircraft that participated in the celebrations included: L39 Albatros flown by Steve Boyd, Mark 16 Spitfire (Mk XVI) flown by Cameron Rolph-Smith, P51D Mustang flown by Brad Bishopp), and a CAC Wirraway flown by Ross Parker. 

Media note: Further images will be made available this afternoon. 

Strawberry Sundaes have long been an integral part of The Royal Brisbane Show (Ekka), providing an unmistakable taste while also generating funds for critical medical research.

With the Ekka cancelled this year due to COVID19, several businesses have stepped up alongside The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation’s research fundraising arm, The Common Good, to find new and exciting ways to bring the Strawberry Sundae experience to ice cream lovers.

Brisbane Airport is proud to be one of them.

From Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August and Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August, people will be able to purchase an iconic Strawberry Sundae from the pop-up store between 10am and 6pm.

There is also an opportunity to pre-order DIY Strawberry Sundae Packs of 20 or 100 between now and 23 July, to be picked up from Skygate Home & Life on either 7, 8, 10, 11 or 12 August.

Brisbane Airport will be the ultimate pop-up location, giving inner north Brisbane locals and visitors alike the chance to grab a sundae while enjoying access to more than 160 retailers across Skygate, Skygate Home & Life and DFO.

BAC CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to make this a reality, with BNE staff volunteering to scoop the ice creams,

“In these unusual and trying times, our airport family as a whole has come together and exhibited our core values of collaboration, communication, courage and care while finding new and innovative ways to support one another and the wider community.

“I am excited and delighted that the Skygate Precinct has been selected as one of the pop-up and pickup locations across the greater Brisbane area, as we are able to come together and help our community again.

“We are bringing the very best of the Ekka to Brisbane Airport, and we are supporting valuable medical research at the same time,” Mr de Graaff said.

The Common Good CEO Michael Hornby said the support of Brisbane Airport and the Skygate Precinct shows true Queensland spirit and offers a chance for the community to join the fight against COVID in a practical way.

“This is a unique opportunity we hope the people of Brisbane will get behind,” said Mr Hornby.

“The Ekka is one of the most important fundraising efforts for us and this year the show must go on in a different way to ensure our team can continue their life-saving medical research, including work towards combatting COVID-19.

“We’re calling on everyone to pre-order your packs now from The Common Good website or plan a visit to Skygate from August 7 to grab a Strawberry Sundae for a good cause.”

For updates in relation to the Brisbane Airport Strawberry Sundae pop-up, go to https://skygate.com.au/ekka

Orders can be placed online at https://www.thecommongood.org.au/ekka-strawberry-sundae/

After eight years of construction and five decades of planning, the new and efficient runway system will provide Brisbane Airport with the greatest runway capacity of any capital city airport in the country.

The $1.1 billion privately funded project is the largest in the history of Brisbane Airport since its opening in 1988, and worth nearly as much as the initial cost of the airport when Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) bought it in 1997 for $1.38 billion. 

BAC Chief Executive Gert-Jan de Graaff said the first departure by Virgin Australia would be a fitting way to mark Brisbane’s new runway as open for business.

“As our airport’s home carrier and an airline that has always shown great confidence in Brisbane and Queensland as a place to do business, I am delighted to have Virgin Australia fly the first departure from Brisbane’s new runway.

“COVID may have hampered some of our plans to mark this historic moment but, it certainly has not detracted from our pride and sense of accomplishment.

“The Virgin Australia staff are family here, and in these trying times for our industry it will be a particularly special moment to celebrate alongside them,” Mr de Graaff said. 

To mark the anniversary of the very first flight between Brisbane and Tropical North Queensland by Barrier Reef Airways which took off 73 years to the day on 12 July 1947, Virgin Australia will operate a Boeing 737 aircraft between Brisbane and Cairns.

Virgin Australia Group CEO and Managing Director Paul Scurrah said Queensland has been home to Virgin Australia for two decades and the new runway at Brisbane Airport will play an important part of our future plans.

“The runway opening is a turning point, not only for airlines such as Virgin Australia, but also for the broader tourism sector which has been hampered by the COVID-19 crisis.

“We’re really looking forward to marking this special occasion with the first departure to Cairns as part of the 73rd anniversary of flights between Brisbane and Tropical North Queensland.”

Virgin Australia flight VA 781 will depart Brisbane to Cairns at 10:50am on Sunday, 12 July 2020. To book, visit virginaustralia.com

The official opening events will be live streamed on BNE’s Facebook page.

Featured/Inline image photo credit: Lance Broad

Fifty-one years later, while four of these five happenings are now but distant memories, John Hansford continues to make his mark on the world with the naming of an airfield bridge honouring his long service at Brisbane Airport.

Officially opened today, the John Hansford Bridge provides critical access to Brisbane’s new runway system for Airside Operations and Aviation Rescue & Fire Fighting vehicles in the event of an emergency.

Commencing work in 1969 as a tradesman sheet metal worker, John has had various roles at Brisbane Airport throughout his 51-year career including linesman, foreman and a member of ground staff, before finding his true calling as an Airside Operations Officer in 1995 until his recent retirement.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO, said the naming of the bridge in John’s honour is a fitting tribute to a man who has left an indelible mark on the Brisbane Airport precinct and its people.

“It’s not often you meet someone who has loved every minute of their career, spending more than half their lifetime with a single company and who is held in high esteem by all. Fifty-one years of dedicated service keeping Brisbane Airport safe and operational is an incredible achievement.

“John is a true gentleman and a font of knowledge about the golden age of travel regaling us with stories that have kept us captivated for years, along with his many ‘Dad jokes’.

“It’s hard to imagine Brisbane Airport without John’s affable and friendly presence every day, so naming this bridge after him is a symbolic way of keeping him here with us while he enjoys his well-deserved retirement,” Mr de Graaff said.

John Hansford said the bridge naming was an unexpected honour that he would like to dedicate to countless people he has worked with throughout his career.

“It is a huge honour to have a bridge named after you, although I must admit I didn’t fully comprehend it. I would like to acknowledge my past and present colleagues over the years who have provided guidance in the safe operation of an airport.

“Being fortunate to have had several work roles over my time at airports all over Queensland, I am proud of what has been achieved and it has been an honour to be part of a team and see how Brisbane Airport has progressed over the years," Mr Hansford said. 

BAC’s flight check included the first ‘touch and go’ on the new runway, undertaken by a Twin Comanche aircraft. The first official passenger jet landing and departure will take place on runway opening, Sunday 12 July 2020.

Prior to the flight check, Airside Operations will complete a runway serviceability inspection.

Project Director Paul Coughlan said the flight check aims to test the lighting systems that provide critical guidance to aircraft approaching and landing at the airport, including the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) and runway lighting.

“It is just over seven weeks until the new runway becomes operational and, while the runway itself is constructed and ready to go, we are still working hard to ensure all of supporting systems and navigational aids are working exactly as they should.

“Another significant milestone was achieved earlier this week, with the introduction of airspace changes and new flight paths from Thursday 21 May. Brisbane residents may notice some changes overhead with these new flight paths coming into effect in preparation for the opening of the Brisbane’s new runway.”

The Airservices’ flight check tested the approaches to the runway from the north and south without touching down.

These flights are part of several test flights which have been conducted since March and form part of the wider Operational Readiness and Testing (ORAT) program for the new runway which also included a recent multi-agency emergency exercise, the decommissioning of Runway 14/32 and the implementation of Stop Bars.

Brisbane’s new runway will open on Sunday, 12 July 2020.

Inline image and above by Lance Broad

Image above by Lance Broad

Approximately 30 personnel from BAC, Airservices Australia (Air Traffic Control and Aviation Rescue & Fire Fighting), Australian Federal Police, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Fire & Rescue and Queensland Police Service participated in the exercise.

A vehicle was placed at the northern end of runway 01L/19R and acted as an aircraft that had crash landed, with emergency response crews conducting a full scale, real-time response to the ‘incident’.

Run every two years, this exercise is essential to demonstrate first-responder actions to a crash at the airport, to test communications between the agencies and to demonstrate the establishment of emergency facilities in accordance with the Airport Emergency Plan, including a Forward Command Post, Emergency Assembly Area, Emergency Operations Centre, use of Alternate Emergency Access gates and Casualty Processing Area.

While this important and compulsory emergency exercise could go ahead during the current environment because it is a workplace activity that is not deemed non-essential, relevant social distancing and hygiene controls were also put in place.

The exercise forms part of the Operational Readiness and Testing for Brisbane’s new runway which will open on 12 July 2020.

BAC CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said while today marked the end of the project, it was just the beginning for Brisbane Airport.

“In many respects this runway is symbolic of the very firm belief we have that aircraft will, in the not too distant future, return to the skies and our terminals will once again be full of happy people looking forward to visiting their families, their holidays or to travel to do business,” he said.

“The last few months have been difficult for everyone in the aviation and travel industries, as well as the whole community, but we have never lost sight of the fact that this project has been built for the long term. It will serve us well for many decades to come.

“Today is a culmination of eight years of physical construction, many years before that in planning, and foresight from nearly half a century ago for an airport with the growth capacity to meet the aspirations of the city and the state”.

Mr De Graaff said thousands of people had worked on the project over the decades and thanked and congratulated them for their contribution to one of Queensland’s most important construction projects in memory.

“As we reach this historic milestone, I must commend the entire New Runway team for putting their heart and souls into this project over the last 15 years. Every step of the way the BAC team has been supported by many partners, suppliers and contractors who have contributed to this project. This truly is a project built by the community for the community.

“This new runway is so much more than asphalt; it is an enabler for recovery and growth across all facets of business, with an estimated 7,800 new jobs created by 2035 and an additional five billion dollars in annual economic benefit to the region” he said.

“Now more than ever, it is crucial that we have the infrastructure and mechanisms in place to allow our great city and state to recover from the COVID-19 global pandemic, and Brisbane Airport, and this new runway will play a strong part in that.”

Throughout the life of the project, more than 3,740 people were inducted to work there, with a peak of 650 people on site in mid-2019. Three hundred and twenty-four different subcontractors were engaged during the project - 90 per cent of which were based in South East Queensland – putting in approximately 3.3 million manhours.

The new runway landed under budget at $1.1 billion, a saving of $200 million on initial estimates.

Skyway joint venture’s Project Director, Graeme Fenemore said the project is demonstrative of a significant engineering feat over a number of years and a dedicated project team who worked diligently to always put safety first.

“On behalf of the Skyway joint venture, I am extremely proud to be handing over Brisbane’s new runway ahead of program, on budget and with an exemplary safety record of zero lost time injuries,” he said.

With practical completion now achieved, the detailed commissioning process for the new runway will continue as part of the wider Operational Readiness and Testing (ORAT) program.

Brisbane’s new runway will open on Sunday, 12 July 2020.

The three times weekly service is expected to boost American visitation to Queensland, a market that experienced 10.5 per cent growth for BNE in 2019, despite a reduction in direct seat capacity.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, BAC Chief Executive Officer, said today’s launch was another significant step in cementing Brisbane’s position as the best gateway to and from North America.

“The US visitor market is currently the fourth largest for Brisbane Airport in terms of passenger numbers, with around 185,000 US passengers travelling through the airport last year.

“Relative to the size of the market and overall demand, Queensland has been under-served from the USA, so these direct Qantas flights will go some way to addressing pent-up demand.

“More importantly, the new services will help grow the critical North American market which will have flow on benefits for every sector of our economy, from business and investment to tourism, trade and education across all of Queensland.

“This is an exceptional result for the ‘Attracting Aviation Investment Fund’ and a true reflection of what industry and government can achieve together,” he said.

“Qantas’ ongoing commitment to our city and state is clear. Qantas has been a partner of Brisbane Airport for nearly 85 years, and I look forward to furthering this long and successful partnership, including celebrate the inaugural flight between Brisbane and Chicago in a few months’ time,” Mr de Graaff added.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones welcomed the new service, saying it would help attract more visitors from America and further boost what was already one of Queensland’s largest international tourism markets.

“Today we’re launching Qantas’ newest service, which will be a soaring success for Queensland’s tourism industry.

“This service will see a boost of 73,632 inbound seats and $67.1 million for the Queensland economy over the next three years. It also means more than 700 jobs.

“We know direct aviation access is key to growing our state’s tourism industry and that’s why we’re continuously working with our partners to explore new opportunities for Queensland,” Minister Jones said.

CEO Qantas International Mr La Spina said forward bookings on both the new Brisbane routes are performing well.

“These new services will link Australian corporate and leisure travellers with two lynchpin capitals of commerce and culture in the United States. Customers will save around four hours travel time compared to the one-stop options currently on offer.

“From a US perspective, these direct routes put some of Australia’s most popular destinations like the Whitsundays just a one-stop flight away from a foggy San Francisco morning or a windy Chicago day, and that’s great news for Queensland and Australian tourism.”

Mr La Spina added, “It’s been a difficult start to the year for Australian tourism but new routes like this help to stimulate interest and bring more visitors.

“The message we’re sending to the US is that Australia is very much open for business and it’s easier than ever to get here.”

Operated with a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner aircraft, the new flight offers 166 economy, 28 premium economy and 42 business class seats. The flights will depart Brisbane at 8.35pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and depart San Francisco at 10.15pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

International traveller numbers grew by 266,182 to more than 6.3 million passengers for the calendar year, with a 2.2 per cent year-on-year increase in international seats recorded (+180,700 seats).

Domestic passenger volumes increased by 1.3 per cent to more than 17.7 million.

In total, BNE’s passenger numbers – domestic and international – grew by 2.1 per cent to more than 24.1 million.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) Chief Executive Officer, said the record number of passengers using Brisbane Airport translates to record visitor expenditure in Brisbane.

“Brisbane as we know it is evolving and going from strength to strength thanks to a number of major infrastructure projects currently underway.

“With Brisbane Airport recording the strongest passenger growth amongst Australia’s major gateway airports, it is clear the rest of the world is taking notice of our great city and region and all it has to offer,” Mr de Graaff said.

“The growth in visitor numbers is good news for our city, with the latest International and National Visitor Surveys conducted by Tourism Research Australia showing record expenditure occurring in Brisbane by both domestic and international visitors.

“It is through the collaboration and the collective strength of government, tourism and industry partners in promoting the unique and world-class offerings of Queensland that we continue to see visitor arrivals rise,” Mr de Graaff said.

Highlights for 2019 include:

• Thai AirAsia X launching a three times a week service between BNE and Bangkok (Jun).
• Singapore Airlines up grading to two-class A359s on two out of four daily BNE services (Mar).
• Solomon Airlines commencing a weekly direct service to Munda (Apr).
• Royal Brunei commencing a four times weekly service between BNE and Bandar Seri Begawan (Jul).
• EVA Air introducing Boeing 787-10 on Taipei-BNE service (Oct).
• Thai AirAsia X up grading three times a week service between BNE and Bangkok with A330-900neo (Nov).

International Review

BNE finished 2019 with 29 international airline partners, with Thai AirAsia X launching Bangkok services in late June and Royal Brunei Airlines commencing Bandar Seri Begawan flights in July.

BNE’s busiest day for international passengers was on 21 December, with a record 23,063 arrivals and departures in a 24-hour period.

November had the greatest passenger growth with 41,991 additional passengers travelling through the International Terminal compared to November 2018.

New Zealand, China (including Hong Kong), and the United States (USA) were the top three international growth markets by volume. Overall direct seat capacity contributed to an additional 36,000 New Zealand passengers, and despite slower growth than previous years, there were an additional 20,800 Chinese passengers.

The United States of America visitor market (+10.5 per cent) also recorded strong year-on-year growth despite a reduction in direct seat capacity, with an additional 17,700 passengers recorded in 2019.

Capacity increases by both non-stop carriers contributed to growth in the Taiwan visitor market, returning to double digits (+10 per cent and an additional 13,500 passengers).

Domestic Review

Despite a sluggish market nationally and an unchanged network of eight airlines and 51 destinations, BNE recorded its strongest domestic growth since 2016 and the strongest domestic growth of the four major Australian airports in 2019.

Domestic passenger volumes grew by 1.3 per cent to more than 17.7 million, or 227,800 more travellers than 2018.

A record-breaking 63,525 arrivals and departures were recorded on 4 October, making it the busiest day of the year at the Domestic Terminal.

The month with the greatest passenger growth was April, with 65,738 additional travellers compared to April 2018.

Domestic passenger growth was largely driven by interstate city pairs. Canberra and Adelaide grew faster than the ‘golden triangle city pairs’, with Canberra recording a 3.5 per cent year-on-year growth (+22,800) and Adelaide recording a 3.1 per cent year-on-year growth (+26,000 passengers).

Traffic on Western Australian routes increased for the first time in five years, with capacity reductions tapering off.

Intrastate seat capacity grew for the first time in six years, with Mackay, Cairns and Townsville gaining the most supply.

Rockhampton and Mackay were the strongest performing intrastate city pairs, with Rockhampton recording a 4.8 per cent year-on-year growth (+24,600 passengers) and Mackay recording a 4.3 per cent year-on-year growth (+31,600 passengers).

A milestone was reached on the Townsville-BNE route, reaching more than one million passengers in a 12-month period for the first time, equating to a 2.8 per cent year-on-year growth (+28,100 passengers).
 

Brisbane Airport Traffic performance – 2019 calendar year*

*The information contained in this document is for information purposes only. Brisbane Airport Corporation Pty Ltd (BAC) provides no warranty as to the content or accuracy of the information provided or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. BAC does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this document or for any loss of profit or other damages resulting from the use of this information.

BAC/BNE’s other notable achievements for 2019 include:

• Entering into three-year, multi-million-dollar partnership with Brisbane Marketing to boost recognition of Brand Brisbane to international audiences.
• Retaining a ‘good’ rating for overall quality of service in the annual Airport Monitoring Report conducted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for the fifteenth year in a row.
• Overall winner at the Routes Asia 2019 Marketing Awards.
• Voted Best Airport in Australia/Pacific in the Skytrax global awards and increased its position to 18^th in the World’s Top 100 list.
• Preliminary draft Brisbane Airport Master Plan released for public consultation.
• The innovative MyLounge opened at the International Terminal.
• Named Oceania’s Leading Airport in the 26^th Annual World Travel Awards.
• Named Capital City Airport of the Year 2019 at the Australian Airports Association National Airport Industry Awards.
• Receiving an Innovation and Excellence Award for Community Engagement at the 2019 Australian Airports Association National Airport Industry Awards.
• Opening of a new International food precinct, upgraded restrooms and a number of new specialty retails as part of the Domestic Terminal $40 million redevelopment.

In 2020, BNE looks forward to:

• The opening of Brisbane’s new runway mid-2020, doubling BNE’s capacity.
• Strong international growth driven by new routes, including Virgin Australia launching a daily direct service to Haneda and Qantas launching a four times weekly service to Chicago and three times weekly service to San Francisco.
• Major events in the Brisbane catchment area, including the ICC T20 World Cup, BrisAsia Festival, Bigsound 2020, the NRL Magic Round in May, and concerts including Elton John, Iron Maiden and the Backstreet Boys concert.
• Completion of the Domestic Terminal’s $40 million redevelopment.

“This year is without a doubt the biggest in BAC’s history, with the practical completion of Brisbane’s new runway following eight years of construction,” Mr de Graaff said.

“The opportunities this will enable for Brisbane and for Queensland cannot be understated, and we will work harder than ever to secure new airlines, additional services and new destinations while building Brisbane as the nation’s gateway.”

Thursday 28 November 2019: Brisbane Airport has thrown open the doors of its new Food Collective, an ‘international food’ precinct, designed by SSP Group located in the Brisbane Domestic Terminal.

An innovation in airport design, having never been done before in the Australian airport landscape, Food Collective has taken inspiration from outdoor hawker street dining and local farmers markets, creating a space with a distinct sense of place that provides passengers with a wide selection of cuisines from Asian and Mexican to Western.

The idea of this new precinct is to create a space where activations can occur, suitable for all major events and activities throughout the year, from Christmas and New Year, through to Chinese New Year, sporting events and regular seasonal activities.

In addition to the precinct calendar, each brand will have a dedicated calendar catering for specific menu changes throughout the year, for each cuisine on offer.

The Food Collective design is adaptable, providing the ability to switch out the brands when trends change over time.

Five new F&B outlets that opened as part of the launch, include:

Ze Pickle: born and bred in Queensland, Australia, offering customers the best burgers, shakes and fries Brisbane has to offer. Ze Pickle uses the freshest of ingredients, locally sourced from farms throughout SEQ.

Nippon Ramen: bringing the finest Ramen Noodles and dumplings from Asian direct to Brisbane Airport. Using the freshest of ingredients, direct from local Queensland farms, with flavours unique to Asia.

Mi Casa: bringing the best flavours of Mexico to Brisbane Airport, coming direct from the United Kingdom. Mi Casa specialises in burritos, tacos and nachos. Mi Casa uses the freshest of local ingredients, including sauces, meats and vegetables.

Yo! Sushi: Is all about fresh, flavoursome, authentic Japanese food including sushi, sashimi and a mouth-watering range of hot street food, from traditional classics to innovative fusion dishes. All packed with rich, aromatic flavours and all-natural ingredients.

Upper West Side Deli: A New York-inspired concept offering sandwiches, bagels and other traditional deli lines.

Featuring a large centralised seating area, creating a community feel, passengers can order directly with each outlet or jump the queue by ordering from on-site self-order kiosks.

Martin Ryan, Executive General Manager Consumers Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC), said, “The Food Collective forms the anchor of the new Domestic Terminal Café Court, and SSP’s exciting hawker-style dining option brings a unique point of difference to Brisbane Airport’s Domestic Terminal.

“The quality fit-out and range of exciting food on offer is absolutely world class and from day one the precinct has been filled with passengers keen to sample the new options.

“It’s exciting to have hit the half-way mark of this extensive renovation which also includes the upgrading of lighting, air-conditioning, way-finding, Wi-Fi and restrooms and the creation of more seating and charging stations and enhanced natural lighting.

“We are very grateful to our passengers for their patience while this lengthy renovation continues. I can guarantee the short-term pain will be well worth it when we’re complete,” Mr Ryan said.

What’s next? BAC looks forward to welcoming many more new and exciting stores in the Domestic Terminal, including:

Other stores within the new Café Court include:

• Roll’d: Healthy and fresh traditional Vietnamese street food with an Australian twist.
• Seeds by Bruno Loubet: Seeds is proudly plant-based and free from processed ingredients, with everything on offer made with fresh and natural ingredients.
• Coffee Royal: Offers a range of hot and cold beverages and grab and go menu items.

Other new stores recently opened at the Domestic Terminal:

• New Farm Confectionery: a Brisbane favourite specialising in handcrafted confectionery and chocolate.
• M.A.C Cosmetics: the world’s leading professional makeup authority.
• Jo Malone: Discover a new world of unexpected fragrances and understated elegance.
• Country Road: Australian fashion powerhouse has landed at the Domestic Terminal.
• Sunglass Hut: Refurbished store now open in a new location.
• Mimco: Refurbished store now open.
• Wine Selectors: Australia’s largest independent direct marketer of wine, with on-site specialists in terminal every day.

Opening by the end of the year:

• Zataar: A Mediterranean store that will round out the food offering in The Food Collective.
• News@bne: the last of nine news@bne travel essentials stores
• Seeds Heritage – Full range Seed stocking women’s men’s and kid’s fashion.
• Graze: Open during refurbishment to deliver an expanded store with a new wine bar offer.

MTC offers comprehensive assistance services for passengers travelling through Brisbane and other Australian airports. 

The service is designed to positively transform the travel experience for passengers who may require assistance beyond the complimentary support provided by airlines.

Qualified companions provide support for passengers in transit, flight or a full concierge services for:

• The elderly
• Families
• Children
• Passengers with disabilities
• Groups
• Individuals recovering from surgery or injury
• Passengers who need assistance or companionship

This is a fully flexible service with the ability to tailor a solution to suit everyone’s needs.

For more information in relation to packages and fees, visit: https://bookings.medicaltravelcompanions.com/aff/BNE/s1kx7vx4.

Over the next three months, more than 100,000 tonnes of aircraft-grade asphalt will be placed on top of the runway’s 2.5 metres of compacted sand and 600-milimetre layer of fine crushed rock.

Fulton Hogan has been subcontracted by Skyway to produce a specially-designed asphalt on site that allows flexibility, load-spreading capacity, deformation resistance and the ability to withstand aircraft-induced shear stresses and high temperatures.

Paul Coughlan, Project Director, says Brisbane’s new runway is the biggest and most satisfying project he has ever been involved in.

“After nearly 15 years as Project Director, I am just as passionate now as I was when I started thanks to moments like this.

“Asphalt is the final layer of Brisbane’s new runway – the icing on the cake that is an internationally tried and tested runway pavement design.

“Given that site preparation and reclamation works for the new runway commenced way back in July 2012, it is incredibly exciting to be reaching a point where the end of construction is now in sight,” Mr Coughlan said.

Graeme Fenemore, Skyway Joint Venture Project Director, said the milestone is representative of the significant progress made to date which has been the culmination of an open and collaborative relationship between Skyway and BAC.

“Together we have implemented innovative engineering solutions while always putting the safety of our workforce first, proudly recording in excess of 2.2 million hours with an outstanding safety record.

“By continuing the momentum we have, I am confident the project will be delivered safely to the satisfaction of the wider community.”

Skyway, a joint venture (JV) between BMD Constructions Pty Ltd and CPB Contractors Pty Ltd, was awarded the Airfield Works contract in July 2017, and with around 12 months of construction to go, they have:

• Airfield conduits and pits 90 per cent complete.
• Modified fine crushed rock (taxiway pavement base course) 80 per cent complete.
• Taxiway concrete (final taxiway pavement layer) more than 50 per cent complete.

Following the completion of the construction programme, the detailed commissioning process for the new ground lighting, navigational aids and control tower systems will commence.

Brisbane’s new runway remains on track to be operational in mid-2020.

The airline has also revealed plans to launch three-times weekly flights between BNE and San Francisco, also set to launch by the end of April 2020.

This will be the first time these two cities have had non-stop services from Queensland with Qantas scheduling its state-of-the-art Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner aircraft on each route.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, BAC CEO, said the new routes offered untapped potential for growth in tourism, trade, investment, education and business sectors that would ripple throughout the city and the entire state of Queensland.

“Brisbane Airport is excited to be partnering with Qantas and key Government stakeholders to bring these new direct links to Chicago and San Francisco to fruition.“Relative to the size of the market and overall demand, Queensland has been under-served from the USA, and these new services will go some way to addressing pent up demand.

“Direct flights into Chicago, the heart of mid-west USA, and San Francisco the cultural, commercial, and financial centre of Northern California, are a game changer for Brisbane and Queensland, positioning Brisbane as the best gateway to and from North America.

“These network connections will strengthen ties, investment and education opportunities with US companies and universities in areas such as digital technology, life sciences, biotechnology and renewables.

“With North American being Queensland’s fifth-largest two-way goods trade partner, valued at $8.7 billion in 2018, additional direct services will support increased trade opportunities.

“The flights will also bring hundreds of thousands of visitors directly into our city and state each year. Visitors who will travel throughout our state from the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, to the Outback, the Whitsundays, and to the Tropical North.

“For Queenslanders, direct flights into more parts of North America are a more convenient way to travel, saving time by avoiding multiple connections and providing greater choice of entry points into the USA.

“The opportunity for international visitors to use Brisbane as their connection point cannot be over-stated. These new and unique services from Chicago will elevate Brisbane, and broader Queensland, as a key stopover destination for travellers from the US east coast and other connecting markets through American Airlines,” Mr de Graaff said.

The new Chicago and San Francisco flights will boost capacity between Queensland and the USA to more than 641,000 two-way seats each year, including flights to Los Angeles and Honolulu and services offered by other carriers.

“Qantas’ ongoing commitment to our city and state is clear. Qantas has been a partner of Brisbane Airport for nearly 85 years, connecting Queensland to the world, establishing Australia’s only heavy aircraft maintenance hub onsite, and locating four of its Dreamliner fleet at BNE. I commend the Qantas team for their continued commitment to Brisbane and Queensland and look forward to continuing this legacy,” Mr de Graaff added.

The airport has also consistently received the highest rating in the last decade for quality of service from passengers.

In FY18 Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) invested $341.2 million in aeronautical facilities improving systems efficiency, accessibility, passenger choice and experience, nearly twice its aeronautical operating profit of $172.9 million during the same period.

With international passenger growth (5 per cent) outpacing modest domestic growth (1.5 per cent), BAC’s recent investment in the expansion of its International Terminal is delivering significant economic benefits for the city and state.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, BAC Chief Executive Officer, said capital expansion and improvement projects at BNE help stimulate growth through the attraction of new airlines, providing passengers with more convenience, choice and competitive fares.

“Over the past two years BAC has secured services from seven new airlines – Air China, Hainan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Philippine Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines and Thai AirAsia X, with many existing partners also increasing frequencies.

“This could not have been achieved without the significant expansion of the International Terminal and investment in systems, facilities and technology that help to manage increased demand and improve airline efficiency and the passenger experience overall.

“Importantly, before any capital project is approved, extensive consultation is undertaken with our airline partners to ensure the timing and type of investment proposed supports their long term commercial objectives as well.”

With parking and transport services always a key focus for consumers, Mr de Graaff said new transport options provided even more choice and convenience for passengers.

“The way people travel to and from the airport is changing and with new ride-share options growing in popularity we’ve had to consider this in our planning and provide the necessary facilities to ensure these new services as accessible for passengers.

“Demand for parking facilities, both at the terminals and at distance car parks with free shuttle services, is also increasing in line with passenger growth, so we continue to invest in this area to meet demand, including commencing planning for the construction of a new multi-level car part at our International Terminal.

“This new car park will complement the free International Terminal Passenger Pick-up facility that opened in 2017, providing increased kerb space for more cars, which has completely alleviated traffic congestion on Airport Drive during peak times.

“For those choosing to use the parking facilities and services there’s plenty of choice with budget parking from as little as $5 a day for stays of 10 days or more at Airpark, to full service valet which is one of our most popular products.

“As always, the best deals and discounts of up to 70 per cent off the drive-up rate can be found and pre-booked online every day of the week.

“Aside from parking, given each traveller’s budget and needs are different, we work hard to ensure there is a wide range of choice for other transport options to/from Brisbane Airport. This includes free drop off and pick up zones close to both terminals, free bus services between the terminals and to Skygate, taxis, Airtrain, corporate vehicles and coaches, rental cars, rideshare options, off-airport parking options, and a dedicated passenger pick-up waiting zone offering 30 minutes free parking.

“While BNE rated well across the board, there’s always room for improvement and we’ll continue to work with our airline and industry partners to achieve this,” Mr de Graaff said.

The 7,065m² tailored warehouse, office and showroom facility, within the highly desirable Australia TradeCoast region, has seen Miele Australia amalgamate a number of satellite locations in neighbouring Pinkenba and Eagle Farm under one roof.

Miele Australia Managing Director ANZ, Sjaak Brouwer, and Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) CEO, Gert-Jan De Graaff, officially opened the facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday 22 January.

Project participants BNE Property (BAC’s property development division), Gaskin Construction Services, Tomkins, Colliers International and Sparc Architects attended the ceremony and were thanked by Mr Brouwer.

“It has been an easy, efficient and effective process to work with all teams involved to select a location, identify a suitable design and construct our new facility in Brisbane,” Mr Brouwer said.

“In particular, BNE Property was very accommodating to our needs and tailored a requirement that suited our business model, operations and future growth strategy in the expanding Queensland market.

“Miele Australia is very pleased with the facility which is built to the highest quality standards and will serve our business well in the years to come.”

BAC General Manager of Commercial Businesses, John Tormey, was delighted to welcome the new tenant to the robust business community at Brisbane Airport.

“It is fantastic to have another great tenant join our growing business community – now sitting at more than 425 businesses,” Mr Tormey said.

“When we get high-calibre tenants like Miele Australia relocating their operations to Brisbane Airport, it’s a clear indicator that we are a strong contender in the competitive commercial property market in Brisbane.

“BAC looks forward to working closely with Miele Australia as a valued tenant in the years to come and welcomes more great tenants moving to our pocket of the Australia TradeCoast region.”

The location at Brisbane Airport was a natural decision for Miele Australia given its proximity to the new experience centre at Newstead and unparalleled access to the major arterial road network.

The workforce at the Miele Australia Brisbane Airport facility also has access to the extensive and convenient range of public amenities at Brisbane Airport, including the BNE Service Centre and the neighbouring Skygate retail, leisure and dining precinct.

Ends 

The Punctuality League is based on 58 million flight records using full-year data from 2018 to create a ranking of the best on-time performance (OTP) for the world’s largest airports and airlines.

BNE ranked eighth in the Large Airports category (10-20 million departing seats per annum), with an OTP of 82.58 per cent.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporation Chief Executive Officer, said Brisbane’s excellent OTP result is testament to years of strong collaboration between the Corporation, airline partners and Airservices Australia.

“OTP is a very important measure of multiple systems and schedules working efficiently, despite being significantly influenced by factors beyond our control such as weather and complexities within the broader national and international network.

“We cannot achieve the result we have without the extensive work, research, technology and innovation being done in this area by so many of our partners across Australia and the world.

“The very good news is, we expect OTP to continue to improve with the opening of Brisbane’s new runway in mid- 2020 which will effectively double Brisbane Airport’s capacity, providing us with the most efficient runway system in Australia.”

OAG’s Punctuality League 2019 report can be viewed here: https://www.oag.com/2019-airport-airline-on-time-performance-report

Owned and operated by ARE, Australia’s most experienced airport F&B operator, Seeds offers fresh, natural and sustainable food including poke bowls, fruit salads, smoothies, juices and coffee, presented with a decent dose of chef mastery to ensure tastes and textures combine for an incredible culinary experience.

Seeds is proudly plant-based and free from processed ingredients, with everything on offer made with fresh and natural ingredients.

Andrew Brodie, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) General Manager, Airline and Retail Management, said the outlet is an exciting addition to the terminal as it taps in to consumers’ desires to not only eat healthily, but also sustainably.

“Consumers are much more conscious of their diet than they were a decade ago and they expect and deserve to have the best F&B offerings available to them at the airport.

“Seeds delivers an exciting menu that complements what is currently on offer in our Domestic Terminal, and by using locally sourced produce from suppliers with a track record of sustainability, they are ensuring customers have the tastiest and freshest meals possible,” Mr Brodie said.

Seeds by Bruno Loubet is located in the Qantas Terminal Food Court on Level 2, and is open Monday to Sunday 4:30am – late* (*subject to change based on flight schedules).

About ARE

Airport Retail Enterprises (ARE) is an Australian privately-owned company which has operated leading Food & Beverage outlets in Australian airports since 1971 and most recently in the United Kingdom.

About Bruno Loubet

Bruno Loubet is an extremely talented, award winning chef who was awarded the 1985 Young Chef of the Year award. He has worked in restaurants in the UK earning Michelin stars and Times Restaurant of the Year awards on numerous occasions. Now living in QLD and passionate on issues of sustainability, he is building a cooking school in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Following 10 months of construction, the project adds an extra 9,260m² of retail space to the precinct that already boasts DFO Brisbane, Queensland’s only 24/7 Woolworths and more than 160 specialty retailers.

Around 60 jobs were created during construction with an estimated 80 full time and part time operational and retail positions going forward, adding to the growing workforce at Brisbane Airport which now exceeds 24,000.

Skygate Home & Life adds a new dimension to the retail offerings within the precinct, introducing a range of furniture and home-ware stores - Nick Scali, TK Maxx, James Lane, Sleeping Giant, Lighting Illusions, Pillow Talk, Early Settler, and Deco Rug.

Brisbane Airport Corporation General Manager of Commercial Businesses John Tormey said the new centre is testament to the way in which the Skygate precinct is continuing to emerge as a vibrant commercial and lifestyle destination.

“Gone are the days of Skygate being known for only fashion and food,” Mr Tormey said.

“Skygate Home & Life offers an unexpected and exciting new element when it comes to retail shopping within an airport precinct.

“The introduction of flagship furniture and home-ware retailers alongside more than 160 specialty stores makes the precinct a one-stop-shop for Brisbane locals,” Mr Tormey said.

Grand Opening store special include:

• TK Maxx – the Hidden Hanger and free tote bags
• Pillow Talk – 20 per cent off for Club Comfort members
• Lighting Illusions – Summer Sizzler sale with up to 65 per cent off ceiling fans
• James Lane – 10 per cent off selected stock
• Early Settler - 10 per cent off home-wares and outdoor furniture
• Nick Scali clearance sale

Shoppers have access to five free open-air car parks, including designated parking at the homemaker centre.

Opening hours for Skygate Home & Life are Monday to Wednesday 9:00-5:30pm, Thursday 9:00-9:00pm, Friday to Saturday 9:00-5:30pm and Sunday 10:00-5:00pm.

It is located at 30 The Circuit, Brisbane Airport – adjacent to the DFO.

The growth of the airport precinct is set to continue, with a number of industrial and commercial projects underway, including a large warehouse for Miele and a campus-style business park within Skygate.

Terms and conditions apply. Visit skygate.com.au for more details.

QFB Director Frank De Pasquale said the relocation effort from the company’s expended Stafford complex took approximately 72 hours and the food and beverage supplier is relishing the growth opportunities their new 11,260m² facility will support.

“We’ve come from humble beginnings — just myself with one truck servicing a few schools in Brisbane with single-serve lasagne,” Mr De Pasquale said.

“Now, the 800+ schools we supply make up approximately 20 per cent of our business with the remainder of our revenue coming from cafes, bars, clubs and pubs.

“Our new facility at Brisbane Airport is triple the size of our previous warehouse which affords a number of opportunities that weren’t available at our previous location, these include introducing a protein line of meat, fish and poultry, expanding through further acquisition of local small business, and moving to a more efficient automated collection and loading system.”

BAC’s General Manager of Commercial Businesses John Tormey said a good portion of tenants moving to Brisbane Airport were doing so because of the ongoing option for onsite expansion.

“A number of tenants moving to Brisbane Airport are experiencing similar facility constraints that QFB experienced at its Stafford location,” Mr Tormey said.

“We work with these tenants to secure a suitable location to accommodate their existing and growing business needs.

“In the case of QFB, the site at Airport Industrial Park has capacity for future expansion options both within the existing facility, as well as within the greater lease boundary.

“We see this valuable addition to our portfolio as a step towards our own growth journey and we feel it is vital to take all our incredible tenants on that journey with us.”

Land development is currently underway for 30 hectares of Airport Industrial Park. The Park project delivery will ensure sufficient land is available to meet future industrial needs within the growing airport precinct.

For more information contact Shane Sparks, Property Development Manager, +61 408 753 945 or shane.sparks@bne.com.au.

Brisbane Airport Corporation’s (BAC) property division, BNE Property, is responsible for delivering the 7,065m² tailored warehouse, office and showroom facility within the highly desirable Australia TradeCoast region.

BAC’s General Manager of Commercial Businesses John Tormey said the journey undertaken from Germany to Australia by the fourth generation Miele owner is welcomed and boasts the significance of the Queensland market to the international corporation.

“I had the pleasure of accompanying Dr Miele through the construction site at Brisbane Airport where we discussed floor plans, project deliverables and milestones,” Mr Tormey explained.

“Dr Miele travelled from Germany to visit the new premises — it is a clear indicator that there is confidence in the Queensland economy when such activities take place.

Miele’s Managing Director and Co-Proprietor Dr Miele said that he was impressed with the new location of the highly anticipated project.

“I am personally very excited to be here from Germany to see the project come to life,” Dr Miele said.

“It was a multifaceted process for our Miele Australia operations to define the new premises requirements and select the ideal location to foster future business growth for our company.

“The location is perfect given its proximity to our brand new experience centre at Newstead and the major arterial road network, allowing for our delivery fleet to navigate through South East Queensland more efficiently.

“We also have the added bonus of our workforce being able to access the extensive and convenient range of public amenities which are rarely available so close to such a warehouse, office and showroom facility.”

Once the new facility is fully operational in late 2018, the Miele Brisbane workforce will join another 23,000 workers across more than 420 businesses on Airport.

The company has expanded from their previous airport warehouse to AFC4, a modern industrial estate with direct airside access.

Brisbane Airport Corporation’s General Manager of Commercial Businesses John Tormey said the new lease was a reflection of Emerge’s confidence in the business precinct.

“We are very pleased to see that Emerge’s business has grown substantially since first moving to the airport, and that we are able to accommodate their new requirement for a bigger facility at Export Park,” Mr Tormey said.

“It’s an exciting time for Brisbane Airport, with four major developments currently underway and another few in the pipeline.

“We believe the work we have undertaken over the last five years, particularly around master planning and infrastructure development, will continue to attract new tenants.”

Colliers International Senior Executive Bevan Galloway handled the transaction, saying the combined office and warehouse was ideal for Emerge as it was one of the only remaining facilities with direct airside access.

“The quality of the recently developed building along with the rarity of airside access were extremely appealing to Emerge,” Mr Galloway said.

“On a wider level there is a shift from tenants to move to better quality, more efficient premises.

“As a result we have seen a 50 per cent increase on general enquiry levels in the airport precinct compared with this time last year.”

Emerge Engineering and Maintenance (TCR) Director Martin Oldfield said the new airport facility offered an ideal solution for the growing business.

“We looked around for over six months before settling on the new building at AFC4,” Mr Oldfield said.

“It’s unusual to find a corporate facility that offers direct airside access.

“The new facility is an exciting upgrade for our staff and the response has been fantastic.”

Export Park at Brisbane Airport offers excellent connectivity to major road networks and is a short drive from the Skygate precinct. Skygate offers 160 retail, dining and leisure options including DFO, a 24-hour Woolworths and Jetts Fitness, Dan Murphy’s, Golf Central, cafes, medical centre and two childcare centres.

Brisbane Airport is home to more than 420 businesses and 22,000 workers, with this figure expected to grow to around 50,000 by the end of 2029.

Located adjacent to the existing DFO, the 9,260m² large format retail centre has attracted pre-commitments from tenants including Nick Scali, Pillow Talk, James Lane and Lighting Illusions.

Scheduled for completion in September 2018, Skygate Home & Life is being developed by Brisbane Airport Corporation’s (BAC) property division, BNE Property.

BAC General Manager of Commercial Businesses John Tormey said the new centre is a reflection of the airport’s growth as a vibrant retail, dining and leisure hub.

“We are very pleased to welcome such high-quality, renowned brands to the Brisbane Airport community,” Mr Tormey said.

“The precinct continues to gain momentum as a vibrant commercial and lifestyle destination, with a growing number of businesses choosing to base their operations out of the airport precinct due to its excellent amenity and connectivity.

“Skygate Home & Life will further strengthen this amenity for residents, visitors and workers.”

CBRE’s Damian Crocetti and Andrew Brimson have been exclusively appointed to lease the centre.

“Skygate Home & Life creates an exciting opportunity for retailers looking to expand their footprint in Queensland within one of the region’s fastest growing lifestyle precincts,” Mr Crocetti said.

“The project is currently sitting at approximately 55 per cent committed, with the balance 4,140m² currently under consideration.”

The Skygate Home & Life centre benefits from exposure to more than 100,000 vehicles per day, a commercial precinct of 460 businesses and 23,000 workers, and a catchment population of more than 1 million within a 30 minute drive.

BNE Property recently completed a $35 million redevelopment of Skygate including an expansion to DFO with 30 new stores, multi-deck car parking for 1,000 vehicles, five new alfresco dining restaurants, public artwork and children’s playscape, commercial offices and enhanced pedestrian connectivity.

The precinct is now home to more than 160 retail, café and dining options including DFO, Queensland’s first 24-hour Woolworths, Golf Central BNE, Dan Murphy’s, a 4.5 star hotel, medical centre, gym, childcare and more.

Brisbane Airport Corporation’s (BAC) property division BNE Property delivered the first 5,000m² of the AFC4 development which takes full advantage of the site’s unique airside location.

BAC General Manager Commercial Businesses John Tormey said the development was created with freight and logistics companies in mind.

“AFC4’s direct airside access presents a prime opportunity for logistics and distribution businesses looking to boost their efficiency and market competiveness,” Mr Tormey said.

“It offers an incomparable location for businesses relying on efficient multimodal transport to connect with local, national and international customers.”

The site’s unique airside position is further enhanced by seamless connections to Brisbane’s major road network including the Gateway Motorway, East-West Arterial, Inner City Bypass and the Airportlink, Clem7 and Legacy Way tunnels.

Leading airline caterer Gate Gourmet has commenced fitout at one of the five warehouses, upgrading to the larger premise following continued growth at a neighbouring airport facility.

“We are very pleased to be working with Gate Gourmet, a long term airport tenant, to accommodate their growing business in this outstanding warehouse and office facility.”

Gate Gourmet General Manager Fidel Fernandez said the location is ideal for their business.

“As a gourmet caterer to major domestic and international airlines, Gate Gourmet relies on the ability to efficiently deliver fresh meals directly from our warehouse to aircraft,” Mr Fernandez said.

“Our brand new tenancy at AFC4 allows us to further improve this service in a modern environment that reflects our reputation for quality and service.”

Gate Gourmet is joined by Aircraft Loaders and Packers and JR Duty Free at AFC4.

BNE Property is seeking expressions of interest for the remaining two units at AFC4 including a 1,165m² facility in stage one available now and a 1,720m² facility in stage two available in September.

https://bneproperty.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-05/Race-Try-Buy_Wheels-Magazine_December-2016.pdf

Q. Can you tell us about your career history? 

Before joining BAC, I was the director of property consultancy Tormey Property. As an independent consultant I provided strategic advice to a number of large developer and investor clients including the Port of Brisbane and BAC’s property division, BNE Property. This included the development and/or sale of Green Star office buildings, distribution centres, major warehouse buildings and the Northshore Hamilton property master plan.

Prior to that I spent 17 years at Jones Lang LaSalle in Queensland, initially as Joint Managing Director then as Managing Director. During this time I led the generation of major business with institutional and development clients and was responsible for numerous retail and commercial developments throughout the state.

Click here to read the full article on The Urban Developer.

Recently undergoing a $35 million Stage 4 DFO expansion, Skygate is now home to more than 160 retail, leisure and dining options including Queensland’s first 24/7 Woolworths, a 24/7 gym, medical centre, 4.5 star hotel and childcare facilities as well as a growing list of commercial offices.

The development included a 4,950m² expansion to DFO with 30 new stores, five alfresco dining restaurants, 1,000 bay multi-level car park, commercial offices, children’s playscape and improved pedestrian connectivity. It’s a revitalisation which has picked up an Excellence in Design award from the Property Council of Australia.

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC)’s General Manager of Commercial Businesses John Tormey says the expansion has helped Skygate gain traction as a premier business destination.

Click here to read the full article on The Urban Developer.

BAC’s property division BNE Property will develop the new purpose-built facility to accommodate the growing business already based in the precinct.

BAC General Manager Commercial Businesses John Tormey said the new lease is a strong sign of Direct Couriers’ confidence in Brisbane Airport.

“We are very pleased to see that Direct Couriers’ business has grown substantially since first moving to the airport in 2011, and that we are again able to accommodate their new requirement for an even bigger premises at Export Park,” Mr Tormey said.

“This agreement is not only a reflection of the site’s ideal location and connectivity, but also of our ability to deliver flexible solutions to meet our client’s needs.

“The airport’s size, accessibility and amenity are continuing to attract great non-aviation commercial and industrial businesses. The demand for premises is strong and our total vacancy across all property precincts is less than 1 per cent.”

The 26 Qantas Drive warehouse and office facility at Export Park will provide Direct Couriers with approximately 60 per cent more space than its current premises at 37-39 Qantas Drive.

Direct Couriers Director David Preston said as well as the larger space, Direct Couriers wanted to remain at the Brisbane Airport precinct due to its transport infrastructure and amenity.

“We are confident that this new facility meets Direct Couriers’ needs in terms of the warehouse size, layout and location,” Mr Preston said.

“We will have 21 staff located at the new facility when we move in January 2017, and the premises allows for our planned business growth.”

The airport is already home to more than 420 businesses and 21,000 workers, with this figure expected to grow to around 50,000 by 2029.

Mr Tormey said the airport’s ability to offer large, flexible sites so close to the terminals, major road networks and amenity gives it a key advantage over other industrial parks.

“Direct Couriers has been located at the airport for five years, and already know and love the connectivity and amenity we have here,” he said.

“Export Park is just a short drive from a 24-hour Woolworths, Jetts Fitness, McDonalds and Shell Coles Express, as well as Dan Murphy’s, BNE Golf Central, cafes, childcare and medical centre.”

According to Anthony White, Director of Industrial at Colliers International, institutional owners are investing heavily in their existing portfolios. “These owners are looking to attract new tenants to their buildings following existing tenants vacating, sometimes after leases which are on a term of 20 years or more.

“Brisbane Airport Corporation is in the final stages of completing a substantial refurbishment of a 26,912sqm distribution centre at 51 – 57 Qantas Drive, which has yielded immediate results.

“Following a 21,912sqm commitment by GPC Australia, Brisbane Airport Corporation undertook a substantial refurbishment which included a full fire sprinkling upgrade, an office extension and refurbishment and an external cosmetic refurbishment.”

This strategy yielded immediate results, with national fit out company Mills Displays agreeing to lease the balance 5,000sqm tenancy just prior to Christmas.

“We believe this is only the beginning of a refurbishment cycle and that many owners will need to consider how their buildings function to suit modern tenants’ requirements,” said Mr White. “Efficient truck access, undercover loading areas and quality fire and building management systems will be demanded by tenants as the design and construct market offers brand new buildings at competitive rentals.”

John Tormey, General Manager Commercial Businesses at Brisbane Airport Corporation acknowledged the need to tailor the airport’s property portfolio to meet the specific needs of customers.

“We have a terrific $1billion portfolio of assets and extensive development opportunities for both our existing and new tenants,” Mr Tormey said. “While we have the lowest office vacancy in Australia – virtually no vacancy in industrial buildings – and many brand new developments, we are long term owners and see the benefits of making sure our offering suits our customer base in the future.”

Brisbane based De Luca Construction & Development worked with Brisbane Airport Corporation in delivering the project and commented that they are seeing increasing demand for this type of construction job. “Taking an existing building that could be 20 or 30 years old and installing modern systems and features is not without its own challenges,” said De Luca MD Nic De Luca. “This project required a substantial attention to make sure the new fire system and office refurbishment was suitable for the needs of the main tenant GPC,” he said.

Brisbane Airport Corporation is not the only company investing in its portfolio with Charter Hall recently completing a substantial refurbishment on its 18,000sqm distribution centre at Pinkenba which was previously occupied by NQX. Goodman has also invested heavily in its existing assets at Hendra and Acacia Ridge and Stockland has completed a substantial refurbishment of its highly exposed distribution centre on the corner of Nudgee Road and the East-West Arterial.

Anthony White is forecasting this trend to continue. “We have seen repositioning strategies rewarded with some exceptional leasing outcomes over the past 18 months,” he said. “As tenants demand more efficient buildings we will see increased activity in distribution centre refurbishments”.

BAC CEO and Managing Director Julieanne Alroe and BAC General Manager Commercial Businesses John Tormey joined the Assistant Minister on stage to unveil the official plaque and congratulate all involved in a successful project.

A video documenting the project was also shown on the night.

BAC’s property division BNE Property will develop the new purpose-built facility, scheduled for completion in August 2016.

BAC General Manager Commercial Businesses John Tormey said the deal is a great win for the growing Skygate precinct.

“Our office vacancy has remained the lowest in Australia at just 2.9 per cent,” Mr Tormey said, “For Skygate to attract a new commercial office tenant, particularly an international company of this magnitude, in a competitive market demonstrates its strength as an office location.”

“With a massive expansion to DFO, alfresco dining, additional office and a multi-level car park opening soon; Skygate will have even more retail and dining options to choose from,” he said.

“Together with the 24-hour Woolworths and new golf precinct, it’s an attractive place for businesses looking to centralise or expand with purpose-built premises.”

Mr Tormey said the airport offers a unique business address, with the size and flexibility needed to deliver special purpose developments.

“The development is not only a reflection of Skygate’s location and amenity, but also of our ability to deliver flexible solutions to meet our client’s needs,” Mr Tormey said.

“We are very pleased to have Hanson on-board at Skygate and look forward to working with them on the new facility,” he said.

Project Control Group Pty Ltd (PCG) represented Hanson’s interests in the corporate real estate transaction and will further act as Hanson’s project manager and interior architect for the ensuing project.

Part of the Heidelberg Cement group, Hanson is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of heavy building materials to the construction industry.

“The airport precinct has excellent connectivity to road networks and tunnels in all directions, which was important to Hanson,” Mr Tormey said.

“There is also good public transport, with Brisbane City Council busses, a free terminal transfer bus, and a future Airtrain station planned for the precinct.”

Mr Tormey shared the airport's land development strategy and current projects.

"Brisbane Airport is Australia's largest by land size at 2,700 hectares," he said, "With around 500 hectares of land for future property development, we are looking to bring further critical mass to the airport in a strategic, master planned environment."

"The site's size and flexibility presents a number of opportunities for retail, commercial and industrial projects," he said.

"We are also thinking outside of the box at other types of land uses like the Auto Mall, which have the potential to transform a large site into an innovative destination."

Mr Tormey said the precinct's commercial office vacancy has remained the lowest in Australia amid record high vacancies in the CBD.

"Our vacancy is sitting at just 2.9 per cent," Mr Tormey said, "We have around 80,000 sqm of office space, which is similar in size to Toowong."

He said Skygate will continue to be the focus for future office developments.

"Skygate will continue to grow as a commercial hub due to its great accessibility and amenity," he said.

The $30 million expansion at Skygate is nearing completion, including 30 new DFO stores, office, alfresco dining and a four level car park.

Mr Tormey, who is a Fellow RICS member, also presented RICS QLD Chair Tony Boyd (pictured above) with his fellowship certificate.

RICS is a professional body established in the UK by Royal Charter that promotes and enforces the highest professional qualifications and standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.

The centre is used to train police dogs on the detection of firearms, explosives, drugs and currency.

BNE Property developed the purpose-built facility for the AFP which includes kennels, day runs, a vet treatment room and an obstacle course.

It is part of the AFP's National Canine Program which provides screening across terminals, baggage, aircraft, vehicles and freight.

BAC General Manager Commercial Businesses John Tormey said more than half of the car manufacturers in Australia have expressed interest in the concept so far with discussions continuing.

“We are having ongoing discussions with the various manufacturers and car dealerships,” he said. “So far we have interest from more than 50 per cent of car manufacturers and we hope to take this to 70 or 80 per cent.”

Mr Tormey said the response from the industry has been very positive.

“The overall feedback is that it ‘just makes sense’,” Mr Tormey said.

“With the urban regeneration of traditional inner city motor vehicle precincts, as well as the global trend towards experience-based car marketing, the timing is right.”

The Auto Mall concept proposes a ‘shopping mall for cars’ including a range of dealers located around a Mark Skaife designed test track.

For more information including a flythrough video of the concept click here.

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC)’s property division, BNE Property, developed the purpose-built 5,600m2 facility for Haymans Electrical in the airport’s key industrial precinct, Export Park.

BAC General Manager Commercial Businesses John Tormey said the ARTAS-designed office and warehouse took less than 11 months for Tomkins Commercial Builders to complete.

“We are very pleased to welcome Haymans Electrical to the Brisbane Airport precinct,” Mr Tormey said. “The airport’s size, access and amenity are continuing to attract great non-aviation commercial and industrial businesses, and Haymans is testament to this,” he said.

Mr Tormey said the new development shows the airport’s capability to deliver flexible, purpose-built solutions.

“We’ve been working closely with the Haymans team to deliver a high-quality, office and warehouse space that suits their specific requirements,” he said.

“We are able to offer our clients a one-stop-shop from planning through to construction project management and ongoing property management, which is always appealing.”

Haymans Electrical is part of MM Electrical Merchandising (MMEM); a private, family owned electrical wholesaler, with over 250 service centres throughout Australia.

Haymans General Manger South Queensland Stuart Gallard said the premises will be the flagship of all facilities nationwide and will be the largest electrical wholesale branch in Australia.

“With the excellent road and tunnel access to all of Brisbane and the coasts, this site was the obvious location for us to set up our new facility,” Mr Gallard said.

“Our substantial stockholding, parking for 70 plus vehicles and ease of access will ensure our customer service will be second to none,” he said. “The new innovative customer business lounge with guest Wi-Fi will provide a unique experience for our clients as they shop at our trade sales counter as will our fully set up workshop ready for their off-site needs.”

The new facility is located just minutes from the airport’s main retail and lifestyle hub, Skygate.

“For our staff, having DFO, 24 hour Woolworths, medical, childcare and a driving range just a few minutes away is also very convenient,” Mr Gallard said.

“I think they’ll also enjoy the uninterrupted runway views of the planes taking off – it’s a pretty unique location,” he said.

The airport is already home to more than 420 businesses and 21,000 workers, with this figure expected to grow to around 50,000 by 2029.

The building is one of only seven national finalists in the category for ‘Best Office Development’.

Brisbane Airport Corporation General Manager Commercial Businesses John Tormey said the building is testament to what is possible at the airport precinct.

“Five Lobelia Circle is the first commercial office building at the International Terminal precinct, making it a unique project in a highly connected, high profile location,” he said.

The concept for Five Lobelia Circle was developed for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) requirement under Project Jupiter - a national initiative to locate AFP offices at 10 Australian airports.

As the major tenant occupying three of five floors, the AFP worked closely with BNE Property to ensure the building met specific security and technology needs.

AFP Aviation Commander Queensland Grant Edwards said the end result has been a huge success.

“The purpose built, secure facility is state of the art and stands out as a contemporarily designed and unique building within the immediate aviation precinct,” Mr Edwards said.

“It provides us the space to undertake our core activity and affords us excellent proximity which has significantly shortened our response times,” he said.

“The building is the envy of all our Commonwealth and State stakeholders who consistently comment that they wished they had a similar type facility.”

The five-level A Grade building was architecturally designed by Cottee Parker to embrace the unique airport location with views to the CBD and Port.

The open plan 1,325m2 floor plates allow for efficient tenancy layouts and operations.

Designed to achieve a 4.5 Star NABERS rating, Five Lobelia Circle delivers sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives including an adaptable façade, zoned air-conditioning and lighting, attractive user-friendly fire stairs and extensive end-of-trip facilities.

Mr Tormey said the building is an example of Brisbane Airport’s commitment to long-term sustainable development practices.

“Five Lobelia Circle is future-proofed for sustainability and technology upgrades,” he said.

“Smart thinking in the building design has resulted in a sustainable, yet cost effective building that achieves a high level of energy efficiency without comprising user aesthetics.”

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on 1 May.