Shapeshifter
11th May 2006, 04:54
Air Passenger Numbers Increase Significantly
Tuesday, 9 May 2006
whyalla.yourguide.com.au
The numbers at the Whyalla airport have increased significantly over the past 15 years, with 2005 recording 55,000 passengers - the highest record since the airport changed hands in 1991.
Airport manager Janine Hugo said that the airport received 44,000 passengers in 1991 and grew to an average of around 51,000 from 1995 to 1997.
She said the fold of Ansett Airlines and its affiliate Kendall Airlines had a great impact on the number of regional passengers making use of the Whyalla airport.
In 2001 and 2002, coinciding with Ansett's fold, the airport recorded its lowest passenger numbers of 35,000.
"Basically it's been slowly climbing back up to the numbers before Ansett folded," Ms Hugo said.
"Regional Express then came in and it took a few years to build up the public perception that they were here to stay.
"There was a low morale for air flying."
Regional air passenger confidence has boomed in the past three years however, with the airport experiencing its largest growth.
"This year is looking to be even better," Ms Hugo said.
Ms Hugo estimated a record of 60, 000 to 61,000 passengers for 2006, looking at the trends over the past years.
She attributed the increase of numbers to the increase of work in the region, with reference to OneSteel's magnetite plant and "the general positive feeling in Whyalla at the moment," Ms Hugo said.
With passenger numbers growing, it has further highlighted the need for increased facilities at the airport.
The original Whyalla Airport terminal and car park was designed to cater for 30clientele, but with increased passenger numbers and two airlines operating from the one terminal, the existing waiting room does not cater to current need.
With this in mind, Whyalla City Council and airport security committee has made moves toward having the terminal extended.
In the late 2004/2005 financial year the council constructed new car parking areas to the east of the existing car park to increase its capacity from 30 to 70.
This car parking space now also includes new lighting and a beautification program was initiated.
In March 2005, the Whyalla airport became a security classified airport under the new Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 and Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.
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Tuesday, 9 May 2006
whyalla.yourguide.com.au
The numbers at the Whyalla airport have increased significantly over the past 15 years, with 2005 recording 55,000 passengers - the highest record since the airport changed hands in 1991.
Airport manager Janine Hugo said that the airport received 44,000 passengers in 1991 and grew to an average of around 51,000 from 1995 to 1997.
She said the fold of Ansett Airlines and its affiliate Kendall Airlines had a great impact on the number of regional passengers making use of the Whyalla airport.
In 2001 and 2002, coinciding with Ansett's fold, the airport recorded its lowest passenger numbers of 35,000.
"Basically it's been slowly climbing back up to the numbers before Ansett folded," Ms Hugo said.
"Regional Express then came in and it took a few years to build up the public perception that they were here to stay.
"There was a low morale for air flying."
Regional air passenger confidence has boomed in the past three years however, with the airport experiencing its largest growth.
"This year is looking to be even better," Ms Hugo said.
Ms Hugo estimated a record of 60, 000 to 61,000 passengers for 2006, looking at the trends over the past years.
She attributed the increase of numbers to the increase of work in the region, with reference to OneSteel's magnetite plant and "the general positive feeling in Whyalla at the moment," Ms Hugo said.
With passenger numbers growing, it has further highlighted the need for increased facilities at the airport.
The original Whyalla Airport terminal and car park was designed to cater for 30clientele, but with increased passenger numbers and two airlines operating from the one terminal, the existing waiting room does not cater to current need.
With this in mind, Whyalla City Council and airport security committee has made moves toward having the terminal extended.
In the late 2004/2005 financial year the council constructed new car parking areas to the east of the existing car park to increase its capacity from 30 to 70.
This car parking space now also includes new lighting and a beautification program was initiated.
In March 2005, the Whyalla airport became a security classified airport under the new Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 and Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.
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