A crucial step in the process of securing a concessional loan to turn the Sunshine Coast Airport into a fully fledged international airport has been announced.
“The Restricted Use International Airport status for Sunshine Coast Airport is effective immediately and puts us on a par with other major regional airports like the Gold Coast or Townsville,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This is not only great news but a critical step in securing a concessional loan to help fund the airport expansion project.
“Council has applied for the federal government loan based on a business case for an international airport so obviously a critical first step was securing this permanent international gazetting which I am pleased to announce today,” Mr O’Brien said.
Mr O’Brien said the new status would make it easier for the Council owned airport to manage existing Air New Zealand flights as well as attract interest from other international carriers.
“Council can now go to other international airlines and say we have international designation and we are open for business,” he said.