The Eastern Aviation Precinct will tap into a booming aviation ecosystem with significant potential. With Queensland’s second largest runway (3,190m to be precise), Cairns Airport is an international gateway catering to more than five million passengers per year. Crucially, and unlike most other national ports, we still have vacant land for strategic development.
The Eastern Aviation Precinct is central to Cairns Airport’s strategic plan for future sustainable growth. Tourism last year generated $4.72 billion in local visitor expenditure, while the national air freight market is poised to reach USD $3.60 billion by 2033. The Eastern Aviation Precinct will unlock economic diversification, supporting tourism, mining, agriculture, and defence while creating up to 400 full-time jobs.
Details:
- Four new aeronautical stands will be constructed during the first stage, enabling quicker turnaround for aircraft and ultimately catering to more passengers.
- Helicopter operators will have a new dedicated base, allowing for more frequent scenic flights and increasing tourism capacity.
- Also earmarked for development are new aeromedical and emergency response facilities, a state-of-the-art MRO facility, training areas and capacity for renewable fuel and energy production.
- Construction will follow a staged approach, with completion of the aeronautical stands expected in 2027.
- The project includes building specifications which will offer improved flood resilience.
- Once completed, operations at the Eastern Aviation Precinct are expected to contribute up to $60 million to the region’s economy.
Expressions of Interest are now being sought for the following:
