Airport’s great new year start

CAIRNS Airport has started the new year in earnest, announcing an international operator for its food and beverage offerings, new cafes and bars, a new chief financial officer and trialling a new helicopter precinct.

The wining and dining aspect of the airport is the result of listening to customers after surveys revealed the need for better and more food and beverage offerings.

In particular in the international terminal and at the check-in section of the domestic terminal.

At international, bar and cafe operations will shift to the airside so awaiting passengers can view tarmac activities, the runway and the mountains.

Let’s hope some big television screens are installed in the terminal so people can watch sport while they have a beer, wine or coffee.

The international terminal has urgently needed a makeover to make the waiting experience more pleasant for customers.

There has also been a need for a venue for people to have a farewell drink with friends or family at the domestic terminal without having to go inside to the departure lounge.

Of particular interest is that a subsidiary of global giant Emirates Group, which also includes the Dubaibased global airline, is to run the food and beverage operations with an emphasis on local produce, including vegetables, meat, fruit and coffee.

A trial to run helicopter activities on the eastern side of the runway will be much safer and logistically better for pilots and their passengers.

The aircraft will not have to cross the main runway. It will most likely become permanent and make it easier and faster to get to the Great Barrier Reef. Nick Dalton Deputy editor