I managed to shut the taxi driver up long enough to hear Mr Geatches on ABC radio in Perth today.
He claims that PAPL (formerly WAC) is fully commited to building a third runway at Perth airport just as soon as TWENTY airlines that use the airport agree that one is required AND agree to pay the higher charges for use of the airport once the runway is operational. So once again it is not his fault.
He put the cost of the runway at $600 million for a 2700 metre runway parallel to 03/21. Estimated build time of FOUR years. He believes that they could begin construction late next year once agreement is reached with the airports customers.
So if they start construction late 2013 then we can look forward to using it some time early 2018 given delays due to something or other, which again will be the fault of someone other than the people that run the airport.
This from a a man who said only three months ago that the traffic at Perth airport willl decline soon as mines go into production phase having completed construction and as such a third runway would not be required until about 2025.
If anyone can get a transcript or audio file please post it as it makes interesting listening.
Looks like some
quiet chats from business leaders have had an effect. Even dear old Mr Thomas seems to have seen the light and decided that there is a problem.
Airport congestion 'costs businesses dear' - The West Australian
Qantas boss backs new runway - The West Australian