Launceston Airport’s biggest airfield upgrade in more than 60 years is complete with Taxiway Foxtrot officially open for operations. The A$5 million new taxiway will significantly increase the airports freight handling capacity allowing Qantas’ new Airbus A321 freighter to operate through the airport. The 92,000kg Airbus A321 can carry up to 40 per cent more freight than the Boeing 737s currently being used with the upgrades coming just in time for the Christmas peak.
The works required the excavation of more than 6,000 cubic metres of material along with the laying of 2,200 square metres of specialist concrete pavement designed to support the weight of large freighters.
Launceston Airport CEO Katie Cooper said the new taxiway would support freight operations at the airport well into the future. “This is the first new airfield infrastructure constructed at Launceston Airport since the runway was extended in 1964 and it will future proof freight operations here for decades to come,” she said. “We have some of the best local producers in the nation at our door and this ensures we can get more of their amazing products from pallet to plate this Christmas. Tasmania exported more than $6 billion of goods and services in 2023-24 and aviation played a key role in that. It’s wonderful to have Taxiway Foxtrot open ahead of the peak summer freight period to support exporters reaching more high value markets. Carrying out works in a live airport environment is tough and our construction partners at Fulton Hogan did a brilliant job delivering this project on time but more importantly they’ve done so while prioritising safety.”
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