The exhibit will depict the 70-year evolution of the airport since the Dumaresq Shire Council took ownership and will be build during the next expansion phase in 2017.

Council’s administrator Ian Tiley signed off on the new $16 million airport master plan last week.

The upgrades will include expanding the terminal and aircraft apron, installing a new $3 million roundabout on the New England Highway, and now, the historical exhibition.

In October, Council elected to honour former Armidale Dumaresq Councillor, the late Peter Moffatt, by agreeing to name one of the new airport building after him.

Former Armidale mayor John Harvey then suggested that a chronological historical display be established to recognise all individuals and organisation involved with the evolution of the precinct.

“There is a long history of individual efforts starting with the early transfer of airport ownership from the Commonwealth government to the then Dumaresq Shire Council,” a report to Council said.

“The airport also has numerous tenants who have played an active part in developments at the airport over the years.

“That history should also be recorded.”

Dr Tiley said he expected the all three projects to be completed in 2017.

“It’s vital our terminal is large enough now that our passenger number are going gangbusters,” he said.