Archerfield looks ahead

Archerfield Airport is looking to the future as it formulates a new 20-year Master Plan, which will be submitted to government by November 2010.

Archerfield's new General Manager Captain Desmond Ross said training would be amajor focus for the airport's future.

"We want to embrace the idea that Archerfield is a training airport," Captain Ross said.

"We will try to improve that environment to encourage training developments and airfield markings and facilities that will make it more user friendly."

Captain Ross said the airport also wanted to continue to encourage charter and corporate traffic, although the financial climate may have an impact on growth.

"We don't see much growth in the corporate market," Captain Ross said.

"The big companies have already sold off their corporate jets and aircraft, or won't be using them as much as in the past. Charter, on the other hand, can still do well.

"In the longer term we'd like to investigate the potential for a limited number of scheduled public transport services to country locations and regional centres, across Queensland and New South Wales."

Captain Ross said the airport would remain open to non-aviation development, but would ensure this did not degrade the airport environment in any way.

"Attempts to reduce costs to the aviation sector will mean there have to be some continuing developments in the non-aviation sector.

"It's not always popular in the aviation industry, but it is inevitable."

A major security upgrade was undertaken at the airport in 2007 which included CCTV installation.

Security patrols both day and night will now be increased to help meet tighter government regulations.

"We are now in final negotiations with a professional security company with lots of aviation experience, and when that's complete there'll be changes made to improve the old, fairly lax airport security," Captain Ross said.