Port Hedland International Airport has been applauded by the Australian Airports Association for its taxiway extension project which has significantly reduced congestion, improved on-time performance and reduced green house gas emissions.
Mayor Kelly Howlett said the airport was highly commended for the taxiway extension and upgrade project amongst a competitive field at the association’s national airport industry awards.
“I am proud Port Hedland International Airport was highly commended in the regional airport of the year category for its taxiway extension project,” she said.
“Congestion on the movement areas has been significantly reduced with the completion of the extension project.
“By utilising the new extended and upgraded interconnected taxiways, aircraft can now be ready for immediate departure as soon as the runway is cleared.”
The nine-month project involved the construction of a new 500 metre taxiway (Bravo 3) to the south, creating a parallel taxiway of 2500 metres and joining into the existing taxiways Bravo1 and Bravo 2.
It also involved the construction of a 100 metre additional taxiway (Foxtrot) which joins Bravo 3 into the threshold of runway 14, creating a full length interconnected taxiway system.
As part of the project, an asphalt overlay was applied over the entire system – strengthening the taxiways to accommodate aircraft of higher maximum take off weights (100,000kgs).
New higher weight capacity cross taxiway culverts were manufactured and installed and the installation of new centreline lights, cabling and transformers completed the project.
Mayor Howlett said that as well as reducing congestion the project has also achieved environmental benefits.
“Aircraft now have reduced ground movement time – they no longer have to sit on parking bays waiting for incoming flights to land and clear the runway before entering the taxiway and then backtracking to the takeoff threshold.
“The new extension has greatly reduced the amount of wasted fuel burn and therefore eliminated tonnes of greenhouse gases.”
Australian Airports Association Chief Executive Officer, Ms Caroline Wilkie, said the awards celebrated the innovative work of leading airports and individuals within the industry.
“We received a record number of submissions this year for airports across Australia delivering unique, intelligent, and innovative initiatives in order to become more efficient, passenger friendly, world-class facilities,” she said.
“Port Hedland International Airport is a clear example of implementing a project that improves efficiency and delivers real benefits for airlines and passengers.”
For more information visit the Port Hedland International Airport website at www.porthedlandairport.com.au.
The Port Hedland International Airport is embarking on a major redevelopment, with a total of $70.5 million allocated by the Town of Port Hedland Council over the next five years.
M.J. (MAL) OSBORNE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FRIDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2012
*ENDS*
Released on behalf of: Town of Port Hedland
For media enquiries: Nur-Irdah Halik
Publicity Officer
PH: (08) 9158 9355
E: publicityofficer@porthedland.wa.gov.au