The Geraldton Airport Upgrade Project involved resurfacing and extending the existing runway to cater for larger aircraft.
Geraldton Airport's main runway, taxiway and the main apron required rehabilitation and new asphalt overlays for the operation of larger aircraft such as the Airbus A330. The works included extending the main runway length from 1981 metres to 2400 metres and widening the main taxiway. The main apron was also expanded to add a new parking bay and provide necessary taxiway clearances for the operation of larger aircraft. The existing five bays presently accommodate Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft types. The raising and sealing of pavement shoulders and associated road work at the airport were also carried out.
The $24 million project was jointly funded by the Australian Government Building Better Regions Fund, Western Australia’s Regional Airports Development Scheme and the City of Greater Geraldton.
The Geraldton Airport project won the 2019 Australian Airports Association's Innovation and Excellence Award for Infrastructure Development (Regional Airport). The project created 184 jobs for the local economy and 42 regional tourism jobs during construction. The rejuvenated airport is also providing new export opportunities for goods such as fresh produce, graphite, seafood and beef.
Picture: Chris Kelly, Paveset