Runway nearly ready for take off

Works continue on the $4 million Albany Airport upgrade, with runway improvements expected to be finished in the next two weeks.

There are two parts to the works — the $2.4 million terminal security upgrade which will see Albany upgraded to a category three security level and $1.45 million jet compliance works to the runway.

City of Albany tourism development and services manager Matthew Bird said the upgrades meant the airport would be modern, safe and fully security compliant.

“Passenger amenity will be significantly improved with a modern and spacious terminal, new check-in section, 200-person passenger departure lounge with cafe and new baggage claim area with carousel,” he said.

“The current capital works program at the airport is part of the longer-term growth strategy for Albany Regional Airport.”

Mr Bird said stage one of the terminal upgrade was finished in July 2012 to meet the Federal Government’s security standards.

He said after the stage two upgrades the airport would be a category three security level and include the operation of a baggage X-ray machine.

The construction is being carried out by Smiths Construction and is set to be finished by mid-August.

Specialist aviation consultants Aerodrome Management Services are carrying out the jet compliance works including replacing lighting, hardening the runway shoulders and extending the runway emergency stopping areas.

“At the moment Fokker 50s can land, which have 46 to 48 seats, this will allow Fokker 100 planes to use Albany which have 100 seats.”

Extra adjoining land was purchased for the expansion and the works are expected to be finished in the next two weeks.