Airport upgrade takes off.

A major $140 million upgrade of the domestic terminal at Cairns International Airport has taken off.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, and Member for Cairns, Desley Boyle, said the start of construction signals changes for Qantas arrivals, and pick-up and drop-off locations.

“With the hoardings going up and the builders moving in, Qantas passengers will be ushered into a temporary arrivals and baggage hall,” Mr Lucas said.

“New arrangements are also in place for pick-ups and drop-offs.

“These are short term changes for long term gain, while construction crews start building a state of the art airport for the future.

“It’s part of a much larger $200 million redevelopment which sets Cairns Airport up for a significant increase in big spending holiday makers.

“Five new aerobridges, a bigger terminal with up to the minute arrival and departure facilities, more shopping, and a better car park - from every angle this is a serious airport upgrade.

“Cairns Airport is spreading its wings like never before with more than three million domestic passengers on the tarmac this financial year.

“With more than 130,000 aircraft moments every year, it’s the nation’s fifth busiest airport and firmly cements Cairns as Australia’s premier tropical destination.

“For money spinning capacity the airport is on a runway of its own and delivering a yearly $2 billion shot to the Cairns economy.

“Cairns Airport is being redeveloped with the next twenty years in mind but remains very much open for business,” Mr Lucas said.

Member for Cairns, Desley Boyle, said the upgrade of the domestic terminal would be staged to minimise passenger disruption.

“Construction is expected to finish in late 2009 and is part of a multi-million dollar Queensland Government investment in the continuing prosperity of Cairns.

“As we all know first impressions count – the redeveloped airport will be a significant driver in building on the number of flights in and out of Cairns.

“It demonstrates our city is coming of age as a tourist and conference destination, and that means more dollars for local businesses.”

“Already the airport’s economic spin-off helps fill the pay packets of 31,000, or a quarter of the Cairns regional work force.”

Mrs Boyle said a Tropical Ambassador program had been set up by the Cairns Port Authority and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

“Our smiling Tropical Ambassadors hit the ground from today.

“Their job is to help passengers navigate changes to the airport’s layout, such as baggage claim area, check in facilities and the departure lounge.

“The Cairns Port Authority is making every effort to minimise inconvenience during construction, but everyone from tourism operators to passengers need to play a part to ensure there are no hiccups,” she said.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 0448 184566.