Shellharbour Airport has been named small regional airport of the year at the National Airport Industry Awards run by the Australian Airports Association (AAA).
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In a virtual awards ceremony the airport located between Albion Park Rail and Albion Park was also highly commended for sustainability in the Airport Excellence Award category before being recognised as the Small Regional RPT Airport of the Year.
The national awards celebrate and honour contributions made by AAA members each financial year. And acknowledge organisations and individuals who have achieved excellence within Australia's airport industry.
During the presentation AAA acknowledged everyone for hanging in during another incredibly challenging year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the citation Shellharbour Airport was described as "a world class regional airport facility".
"Amid a global pandemic, Shellharbour City Council has seen significant growth in the airport precinct environment and has reached major milestones as part of a $20.35 million upgrade project, creating a truly world class regional airport facility," the citation read.
"Works included a newly built passenger terminal, renewal of the main runway, upgrades to the cross runway, taxiways and additional aircraft parking space.
"The strategic development by Shellharbour City Council will enable the airport to grow and foster opportunities for future economic development, tourism and jobs growth."
The new $7.9 million, 200-capacity terminal became operational in February this year and has provisions for retail space. It and runway works were part of an airport business plan developed by the council.
In 2019, council received $15.97 million in funding from the NSW Government's Growing Local Economies Fund, as part of the Regional Growth Fund, for additions and upgrades to the airport.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
