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27 May 2010

Major technology upgrade for Wagga Wagga airport on the back of Federal and Partner funding

Airservices Australia, Wagga Wagga City Council and Regional Express have entered a collaborative agreement to purchase, install and operate an Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Wagga Wagga Airport with the assistance of a Federal Government grant announced today.

The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, confirmed that almost $1.1million will be provided to Wagga Wagga City Council as part of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program for the installation of an ILS.

The total investment in the ILS is expected to be approximately $1.6 million.

Wagga Wagga City Council, Airservices Australia and Regional Express have agreed to share the additional costs associated with the commissioning, installation and ongoing maintenance of the system.

An ILS installed at Wagga Wagga Airport will pave the way for further growth and development of a Wagga-based pilot training and aviation technical training hub.

A successful aviation hub will provide a boost to the regional economy, through job creation and the multiplier effect of additional expenditure in aviation infrastructure.

The joint investment will foster the development of the airport as a national centre of aviation significance particularly in aviation education and training.

Wagga Wagga Mayor, Councillor Kerry Pascoe, said, “This is a commercially smart and forward thinking initiative to build on generous Federal Government assistance for a project with benefits reaching beyond the region’s economy to the regular travellers passing through the airport.

“The agreement builds on the fact that Council, Rex and Airservices are already working closely together to develop training opportunities and a vibrant regional aviation community based around Wagga Wagga.”
Airservices CEO Greg Russell said the total investment in the ILS would be approximately $1.6 million.

“Airservices has made a major commitment to aviation in regional Australia through the establishment of our technical training school at TAFE NSW’s Riverina Institute,” Mr Russell said.

“With an active ILS at the airport, our technical trainees will be able to receive hands-on experience without leaving Wagga Wagga, enhancing the value of their training,” he said.

Regional Express Managing Director Jim Davis said the ILS would significantly strengthen the airport’s pilot training capability.

“It will allow us to conduct ILS training in Wagga Wagga rather than flying to other airports. It will considerably enhance the pilot training capability of Wagga Wagga Airport and will be a key ingredient to the planned expansion of the pilot academy,” Mr Davis said.

Cr Kerry Pascoe also said the commitment was a major boost for the region.“Reliable air services are vital for business, pleasure and medical travel. 

The new ILS will also allow greater reliability for regional airlines and local operators using the airport and boost the overall efficiency and safety of the airport, particularly in marginal weather conditions,” Cr Pascoe said.

The ILS is a precision approach radio navigation aid and the current international standard for providing ground based approach guidance to an airport’s runways.

The ILS is expected to be operational at Wagga Wagga later this year pending approvals and successful testing.

Contacts:

Grant Johnson Wagga Wagga City Council 1300 292 442

Airservices Media: (02) 6275 2828 (24 hours) or media@airservicesaustralia.com

Rex: Corporate Communications: 0402 438 361