I must say it s&@ts me no end that we operate multi million dollar airliners with the traveling public into places where airport operators, councils, government refuse to spend the money to upgrade the infrastructure. Sunshine Coast, Ballina are two glaringly obvious places that expect the Jetstars & Virgins to service their communities, but haven't made their airports up to scratch.
Wishful thinking but if the CEO's (JB's & DH's) got together and issued an ultimatum to certain ports that if they haven't upgraded the facility, (runways, aprons, nav aids) by a certain date, they will withdraw from the port. The public uproar and tourism implications would be horrendous... But no, our airlines accept the diversions and expenses involved because of this.
And another thing. It's 2012 yet Hobart & the likes in this country are still procedural & non radar. What an effin joke. Rant over.