INTERNATIONAL flights to and from Williamtown Airport have been a long-held dream for many.

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However limitations in the runway have been one issue that has hampered the delivery of more flights.

There have been many plans for the extension of the runway to accommodate larger commercial flights however investment has been one reason why the planes have not been accommodated to date.

The upgrade would see the airport achieve Code E status.

Allowing wide-bodied, long-haul aircraft to access the airport, connecting the region and northern NSW to the rest of the world.

On Monday, at an event held at BAE Systems, Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds stated that she had met today with the executive for Newcastle Airport to discuss a runway upgrade at the airport.

“We are fully funding our component of that (the runway) and Newcastle airport is seeking further funding for their component of that plan.

“If we do the work together we save time and of course it reduces costs as well,” said Minister Reynolds.

The Prime Minister has stated he is focused on getting Australian’s into jobs, and funding the Newcastle Airport runway seems like an opportunity to do just that.

“Our focus is on jobs, 90% of jobs lost to COVID have come back already,” said Prime Minister Morrison.

The runway project is anticipated to create over 4,000 local jobs and it is anticipated to add $12 billion to the regional economy.

The Newcastle Airport component of the project is expected to cost in the vicinity of $65 million in addition to the $115 million upgrade that Defence is undertaking.

The improved runway would cater to defences capability needs as well as improving access for international tourism and international freight.

By Marian SAMPSON