Passengers are taking off in a new way at Armidale Regional Airport as stage one of the $9 million terminal upgrade ends.
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Automated and undercover baggage handling facilities bring the airport into line with other major regional centres.
While increased security measures, including baggage scanning, will allow larger aircraft can service the city in the future.
Construction on stage two has already begun and will include refurbishing the main terminal’s arrival lounge, building new retail space and a new cafe.
Armidale Regional Council chief executive Peter Dennis said the development was a great catalyst for further economic development.
“Together with what we are doing with the roundabout, the industrial estate, the apron extensions, it's all building for a strong for the Armidale region,” he said.
Passengers are already using the new check-in terminal, which will be the main terminal until stage two is finished.
“There is a bit more space for the growing number of people,” Mr Dennis said.
The new building links with existing terminal in a common theme of exposed beams and high ceilings.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said he was very impressed with the upgrade.
Most impressive is out the back,” he said.
“Staff will be able to handle and screen the bags undercover, which means when it rains when it's sleeting, they will be protected and so will people’s baggage.
“As I came into the building is thought, this actually looks like a real airport now with check-in facilities, ready for future expansion.”
Once finished, the new terminal will have a capacity of about 200,000 people per year.
It will also have space for four aircraft when apron extension is complete.
“This airport extension is being built with the future in mind,” Mr Marshall said.
The current runway will need to be extended and strengthened or a new runway will need to be built before larger aircraft can service the region.
But Mr Marshall said he and Council would work together on taking the project to the next stage.
“It’s the biggest infrastructure restriction at the moment,” he said.
“But I think it's something that’s achievable.
“It will bring more business and economic growth not only to Armidale but to the broader region as well.”
A new runway, along with the industrial precinct, will also pave the way for air freight business to establish in the region.
Stage two is scheduled to be complete in September.