Federal funding boost to upgrade Albany Regional Airport

Albany Regional Airport is set for a $1.6 million safety upgrade.

Albany was named one of 60 regional airports to receive a share in more than $41 million from the Federal Government to keep Australia’s struggling aviation industry afloat after COVID-19.

City of Albany chief executive Andrew Sharpe said the airport attracted more than 60,000 regular passengers a year.

The new funds will assist with the resurfacing of the runway, taxiway and regular passenger transport apron.

“The project will also incorporate new air navigational approach technology that will assist users such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service to fly through inclement weather,” he said.

“By maintaining the facility, the City ensures ongoing growth in economic development, tourism, business, health and social wellbeing for the Great Southern community.”

Federal member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said Albany airport was an essential link between Perth and the Great Southern.

“The Government is investing in regional airports because we know this infrastructure is key to securing our regional aviation network now and into the post-COVID future,” he said.

In 2017, Albany Regional Airport received a $575,000 upgrade to the runway and Royal Flying Doctor Service facilities for more efficient medical evacuations.

The last major resurfacing of the main runway was done in 1997.