The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society has presented Shellharbour City Council with proof of a $20 million insurance policy to cover any damage at the Illawarra Regional Airport caused by the Qantas 747-400 landing.
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Shellharbour City Council will hold an extraordinary meeting on Monday night to discuss the proposed licence and lease of airspace with HARS.
Concerns have been raised the aircraft, which is being donated to HARS, could damage the runway. Qantas said the aircraft, which would have no passengers on board, would come in to the airport weighing approximately 195 tonnes.
However the main runway at the council-owned Illawarra Regional Airport was last upgraded in 2005 to allow aircraft up to 25 tonnes.
HARS president Bob De La Hunty said the landing would not be an issue as the 195 tonne weight would be spread across 18 wheels, which would have their pressure lowered for the landing. He said pavement ratings were based on regular use, not one-off landings.
A Shellharbour City Council spokeswoman said council was working closely with HARS and Qantas to ensure all precautions were taken to minimise the potential for damage to the runway surface by the Boeing 747-400.
The council said HARS has provided evidence insurance was in place for the event with a policy limit to the value of $20 million.
"Qantas Airways Limited and the Qantas Group have been noted on the policy as an additional insured," a council statement said.
"A special condition within the Certificate of Currency has been included in relation to the landing and parking of the aircraft."
The condition had been reviewed by council's insurance brokers who were satisfied it adequately protected the council against costs associated with damage to the runway, taxiway and apron.
On Monday, Shellharbour councillors will be asked to approve a five-year lease of a site at the airport worth $10,400 per annum, which will be reduced to $4773 under the council's community halls and centres policy.
HARS will also have to pay an additional $650 per year to lease airspace, due to the aircraft overhanging the airport fence, a car park and a section of Airport Road near the HARS hangar.
The wing and tail of the aircraft will be 6.9 metres above the road, but this was higher than most bridges in the Illawarra, Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said.
"There is not a major concern in that regard," she said.
However the landing itself will still need formal approval from external agencies and council staff, but not councillors.
Qantas pilots operating the aircraft's final flight are undertaking special training to prepare for the delivery. The council said work on a concrete pad for the aircraft to park did not require a development application.
aarnold@fairfaxmedia.com.au