Tigerair Australia (Melbourne Airport) has thrown its weight behind the Australian government's proposed new Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek. According to Australian Aviation, CEO Rob Sharp believes there is enough demand in Western Sydney to warrant the project.
“At the end of the day it is not the airport that attracts us, it is the underlying demand,” Sharp told the CAPA Australia Pacific aviation summit on Wednesday. “We believe there is actually quite a strong demand in the western parts of Sydney and there is growth there. It makes sense ultimately to have an airport there and we will support that and we will fly to that demand.”
Rival operator Jetstar Airways (JQ, Melbourne Airport) has yet to decide on its position concerning the airport. CEO David Hall said his airline was still evaluating what role Badgerys Creek might play in its Australian network.
“I think it offers a value proposition and once we work through about the size and so forth we will look at what is best for our customer base,” Hall said.
Prior to April of this year, the proposed new airport has been subject to much government dilly-dallying leading to concerns the existing Sydney Kingsford Smith airport could reach maximum capacity before the new facility had even been commissioned.
"A dedicated Western Sydney airport will service local aviation needs and be a much-needed relief valve for Sydney Airport. It will be a major catalyst for investment, jobs growth and tourism in the region for decades to come," Prime Minister Tony Abbot said earlier this year. "Without a new airport, we run the risk of the existing Kingsford-Smith Airport reaching capacity. Sydney’s airport is the gateway to Australia’s largest city and accounts for 40 per cent of international arrivals and 50 per cent of international air freight each year. If no action is taken on a second airport, Australia would lose out on 80,000 additional jobs and AUD34billion (USD33.91billion) in economic activity by 2060."
