By Kristy How 

Gold Coast Airport continues to grow as a significant international airport in Australia, now the country’s fifth busiest international port, moving up from its position of number seven at the beginning of last year. As Australia’s premier tourist destination, the new-look Gold Coast Airport is now placed to meet even the most stringent expectations of international and domestic visitors, not to mention proud locals.

Gold Coast Airport was previously named ‘Coolangatta Airport’ which is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘Place of Good View’. Over the past 65 years Gold Coast Airport has undergone a major transformation from being an emergency landing strip to an international airport.

The Gold Coast Airport’s $100 million passenger terminal redevelopment was officially opened on January 25th   2010. The entire $100 million redevelopment is fully funded by Gold Coast Airport Pty Limited and its shareholder, Queensland Airports Limited.

More than 300 guests attended the opening luncheon in the new facility, including the Queensland Deputy Premier, Queensland State Opposition Leader and Gold Coast Mayor. Airport representatives proudly presented their completed project to a mix of government officials, airline executives, business, tourism and community leaders. Managing Director of Queensland Airports Limited, Dennis Chant, said they were very proud of the completed redevelopment, which is a huge shot in the arm for tourism to the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales.

“This is the largest single investment in tourism infrastructure by Gold Coast Airport since they first secured the lease over the airport from the Federal Government in 1998.

It has taken seven years of planning and construction and is a significant vote of confidence by the Board, shareholders and management of Gold Coast Airport Pty Ltd in the attractiveness of the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers regions to domestic and international visitors. The new terminal is the first purpose-built facility specifically designed to cater for low cost airlines and their passengers,” he said.

The redevelopment has seen the terminal more than double its current size to approximately 28,700 square metres of space, to cater for forecast passenger growth over the next ten years.  Stage 1 and stage 2 saw the introduction of new domestic departures lounges, the new common user security area, new retail facilities including an extensive selection of food and beverage outlets and the completion of the international departure facilities. Stage 3 of the project included the new common user check-in counters and completion of the first of two international baggage units, inbound arrivals facilities and duty free.

The focus of the development was to ensure the terminal operation is fast and efficient for airlines and their passengers by taking a common user approach with one main check-in area for all airlines with self service kiosks, a single baggage collection and screening point, and one main departures and arrivals area. Baggage handling capacity has doubled and international inspection facilities have also been expanded, including an additional screening point for liquids, aerosols and gels for departing travellers.

While the colours and use of natural light look fresh, designers have opted to move away from architectural statements and focus on the amazing views of the hinterland with two storey floor to ceiling glass looking across the tarmac. It’s a beautiful part of the world and the new terminal takes full advantage of the scenery. Through the screening points there is a large retail and dining area offering a range of dining options – from ‘grab-n-go’ style venues to more sophisticated coffee bars. They’ve also added some unique features for customers including a convenience store for passengers staying in self contained apartments, a prayer room for guests and parents rooms in each amenity block.

The redevelopment is timely with the continual increases in passenger movements over the last year testament to the need for new facilities. The former terminal was built in 1981, at the time welcoming around 300,000 passengers annually. In 2009, during construction, Gold Coast Airport welcomed almost five million passengers. The terminal has undergone several upgrades since 1981 but growth over recent years necessitated the need for this significant expansion. Significantly,  677,000 of the 4.88 million total movements recorded in 2009 were international passengers.  This represents growth of more than 91 per cent. 

Gold Coast Airport's General Aviation area includes providers of flight training, freight facilities, charter flights, maintenance and hangarage for both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Additionally, the area includes a flight catering facility, and the airport refuelling complex.

Companies located at the airport include Air Gold coast which was established in 1968 and is the longest serving general aviation operator at the airport. Malcolm Long purchased the business in 1988 as an aircraft maintenance facility. 18 years later the maintenance division employs seven highly qualified engineers and apprentices to service a large and diverse customer base. In 1997 a second hangar was built to accommodate growth and larger aircraft. Malcolm’s sons Peter and Michael acquired the business which also includes a flying school. The flying school started in 2001. After only a few years the school has created its own excellent reputation for producing high quality private and commercial pilots in a relaxed, friendly but professional environment. The school continues to grow now employing six experienced instructors and owning seven aircraft.

GCATS Cargo & Logistics commenced operation at the Gold Coast Airport as an International Cargo Terminal Operator in October 2002. Direct daily services to Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, plus daily flights direct to Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia X provide access to well established international markets from Gold Coast Airport. This is additional to up to 21 flights per week to major cities in New Zealand with Jetstar, Pacific Blue and Air New Zealand.

Gold Coast Airport is located in a unique position with the Queensland and New South Wales state border cutting straight through its runway. The airport is three kilometres northwest of the border towns of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads and is less than one kilometre away from the South Pacific Ocean. Gold Coast Airport currently services the region extending from south-western Brisbane to Northern NSW and Ballina.

The Coolangatta site was originally selected as an emergency landing ground for aircraft flying between Sydney and Brisbane on the airmail services. In 1939 the first regular passenger services commenced and the airport consisted of three grass strips to handle the Regular Public Transport.

In 1947, regular air services were conducted by Queensland Airlines and Better Air Transport. In 1950 Ansett / ANA provided regular DC3 services and by 1954 TAA had introduced DC3 flights followed by Skymasters and Convairs.

In the early 1950s the construction of the northern part of the original terminal was completed and annual passenger movements were approaching 12,000. By 1958 the runway and taxiways were sealed along with the access road and car park and a light aircraft apron was provided. 1980 saw construction of the recently redeveloped terminal complex. The building was officially named the Eric Robinson Building.

Throughout this time, the Commonwealth Government owned and operated the airport. On the 1st January 1988 ownership was taken over by The Federal Airport's Corporation, a Government business enterprise. Government policy changes saw the airport privatised on 29th May 1998 with Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) being the successful tender and taking the role of Airport Leasing Company. In 1999, QAL changed the company name to Gold Coast Airport Pty Ltd (GCAPL).

Nowdays, the main runway (14/32)) is 2492 x 45 metres and lies within a 2552 x 150 metre runway strip. The intersecting secondary runway (17/35) is 582 x 18 metres in a 672 x 90 metre runway strip. Take off and approach surfaces to the southeast on the main runway meet desirable gradients but obstructions to the northwest limit the take off run available in that direction and a curved path may be used.

Jetstar, Virgin Blue, Tiger Airways, Air North, AirAsia X, Pacific Blue and Air New Zealand currently operate passenger services from the Gold Coast and, with the new terminal development, this list is not likely to get any shorter.