November 21, 2017
Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport not only notched up its third birthday this week, but has also won an award for its cargo business.
This week the airport was announced the winner of the Australian Airport Association’s Innovation and Excellence Commercial Award for 2017.
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport general manager Ms Sara Hales said the airport started with just 22 flights a week and now offered more than 80.
“Toowoomba’s own airport is now a multi-award-winning facility, with four major airlines and direct flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane and Western Queensland as well as a 747 freighter to Hong Kong,” Ms Hales said.
“We are no longer just a start up – we are a credible, industry leading enterprise proudly serving Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.
“This celebration is just as much a milestone for Toowoomba as it is for the airport. We are a community that is coming of age.”
The country’s longest-serving airline, Qantas, was the first airline to service the airport followed by REX Airlines, Airnorth and Cathay Pacific Cargo.
The airport supports regular passenger transport services as well charters, freighters, FIFO aircraft, general aviation, private jets, and aeromedical operators such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
This month the airport will also celebrate the first anniversary of its regular international Cathay Pacific Cargo service direct to Hong Kong, connecting globally on the Cathay Pacific cargo network to more than 107 destinations.
“Cargo is a fascinating and promising part of our business,” Ms Hales said.
“We handle cargo on its way to all over the world – such as Germany, the US, South America, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.
“We see a fascinating array of cargo on board the flight – anything from Jet engines to art work, medical equipment to premium beef, and seasonal fruit to helicopters.”
QantasLink chief executive officer Mr John Gissing said the airline was pleased to mark three years of Toowoomba flights.
“As the first airline to operate passenger flights from Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, we’ve now offered more than 300,000 seats on our Sydney services since the route launched in 2014,” Mr Gissing said.
“Congratulations to the team at Wellcamp on reaching this milestone. QantasLink has a history of ensuring regional communities are well connected and we’re proud Toowoomba is a part of our network.”
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport boasts a 747 capable, 2.87km long runway, a world class passenger terminal, fully licensed international air cargo facilities, and is surrounded by the 500 ha Wellcamp Business Park designed to support growth of the airport and surrounding industries.
