Freight capacity to rise at Launceston Airport

Construction is underway on Launceston Airport's biggest airfield upgrade in more than 60 years, with Taxiway Foxtrot set to significantly expand the airport's freight capacity. 

The $5 million new taxiway is being delivered in partnership with leading civil airport construction firm Fulton Hogan and is scheduled for completion in late Spring, in time for Tasmania's peak summer freight season. 

The works will require the excavation of more than 6000 cubic metres of material, enough to fill the Cataract Gorge outdoor swimming pool more than four times. 

More than 2,200 square metres of specialist concrete pavement - or ten full-sized tennis courts laid 400mm deep - will be required to accommodate new aircraft such as the 92,000kg Airbus A321 which can carry up to 40 per cent more freight than Boeing 737s.

 Launceston Airport CEO Shane O'Hare said the new taxiway will unlock significant growth for the airport and the region. 

"This upgrade will significantly improve the efficiency and scale of freight services through the airport, enabling local producers to reach more markets, more quickly," he said. 

"This is a big milestone for our airport, it's the first new airfield infrastructure constructed at Launceston Airport since the runway was extended in 1964. 

“Launceston Airport is growing, and this development is just the beginning, with record passenger numbers and expanded freight capacity, we’re entering an exciting new phase in the airport’s evolution.” 

"We recorded our second busiest March ever last month, with 134,353 passengers passing through the airport and works are now well underway on our Departures Hall upgrades which will transform our passenger experience. 

"Taxiway Foxtrot will not only improve operational resilience and efficiency it will increase access to bigger aeroplanes carrying more high value produce into and out of this state, which is a huge win for our local economy. 

“We’re proud to be working with industry leader Fulton Hogan to deliver this project, and we’re excited to see construction underway ahead of our peak summer freight season.”