THIS week saw Newcastle Airport come one step closer to direct international flights, with construction commencing on the internal fitout of border processing areas.

The current work will see the installation of necessary security technology, IT technology, passenger screening equipment and furniture for the border agencies.

The project, with an estimated cost of $1.9 million, will be carried out by Hunter-based construction firm, Kingston Building.

The current proposed redevelopment is estimated to create 180 local jobs in the construction process and 375 jobs once complete.

The project is expected to be finished late 2017, with the Hunter region’s economic output expected to rise by up to $147 million through the proposed wider redevelopment.

A spokesperson for the airport told News Of The Area, “If we don’t have the necessary infrastructure, we won’t ever be able to have international flights.”

“The completion of these fitout works is the next step in bringing international flights to Newcastle,” the spokesperson said.

The new developments are being built in the allocated area that was designed for this purpose in 2015.

This area has remained mostly unused space since then.

Newcastle Airport  does not currently have any commitments from any particular airlines to fly to specific locations.

This is just another step in the right direction in bringing international flights to the region.

There is currently no set date as to when international flights may be available from the airport.

 

By Simone JOHNSON