The owner of one of Australia’s busiest general aviation airports, Perth’s Jandakot Airport, is in early discussions with the state and federal governments on a proposal to move the airport further from the rapidly expanding city.
Ascot Capital, which purchased the airport at the beginning of this year for A$43.5 million ($32.1 million), says the move may be needed to cope with predicted future traffic growth. Opponents of the plan say it is an effort to capitalise on Perth’s booming land prices.
Jandakot has 360,000 movements every year and is home to the China Southern West Australian Flying College, Singapore Airlines Flying College and the Royal Aero Club. It is also the Western Australia base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), WA Police Air Support and bushfire patrol service.
WA planning minister Alannah MacTiernan has raised concerns that the RFDS and police air wing could be disadvantaged by a move as they need to be close to the city. Jandakot’s masterplan released last year includes development of a fourth runway and infrastructure upgrades, but this is becoming less attractive to the owners due to rapid growth in the area.
Source: Flight International
