Tamworth airport upgrade takes flight

07 Aug 2019

Pictured at Tamworth Regional Airport with part of the new infrastructure installed for the upgraded instrument landing system.

 

Economic activity in New England is set to soar, following an upgrade to essential navigation infrastructure at Tamworth Regional Airport.

 

Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the Instrument Landing System (ILS) upgrade would improve Tamworth’s capacity to train and educate pilots.

 

“This upgrade will help Tamworth Regional Airport attract more regular commercial and freight flights to the New England region, expanding job opportunities in aviation and supporting industries,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“Replacing the old ILS installed back in 1992, this new system will benefit people and industries reliant on flight training services, including military personnel and commercial operators, as well as civilian flying enthusiasts.”

 

Tamworth Region Mayor Col Murray said the airport enhancements were integral to the region’s future expansion.

 

“The upgraded Instrument Landing System is key to ensuring our airport is able to make the most of future business growth opportunities,” Cr Murray said. “It supports the future of flight training here and it means we have an even stronger case to establish international freight operations.”

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the more than 81,000 annual aircraft movements made Tamworth Airport one of regional Australia’s busiest airports.

 

“This project will strengthen local aircraft maintenance business and improve the uptake of aviation technology and education, making flights in and out of Tamworth safer and more efficient,” Mr McCormack said.

 

“It means keeping a large number of local jobs that would have been jeopardised, following the Australian Defence Force’s departure from the airport, which is supporting the local economy.”

 

The $1.7 million project was fully-funded by the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government.

 

(ENDS)

Send an Enquiry