Coffs Harbour Airport
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| Coffs Harbour Airport | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| IATA: CFS - ICAO: YCFS | |||
| Summary | |||
| Airport type | Public | ||
| Operator | Coffs Harbour City Council | ||
| Serves | Coffs Harbour | ||
| Elevation AMSL | 18 ft (5 m) | ||
| Coordinates | |||
| Runways | |||
| Direction | Length | Surface | |
| ft | m | ||
| 03/21 | 6,824 | 2,080 | Asphalt |
| 10/28 | 2,785 | 849 | Asphalt |
Coffs Harbour Airport: (IATA: CFS, ICAO: YCFS) is the only airport located on and serving the Regional Center of Coffs Harbour, Australia. The airport is located near Boambee, south of Coffs Harbour. Coffs Harbour Regional Airport is one of the largest and busiest regional airports in New South Wales, handling numerous types of aircraft. The airport is currently serviced by three carriers, Qantas, Virgin Blue and Brindabella Airlines, and has the capacity to handle aircraft up to the size of a 240-seat Boeing 767. Coffs Harbour airport is located right at the doorstep of the Pacific Highway which links all of Coffs Harbour and surrounding areas to the Airport, the Terminal is also accessible from the City by Public Buses, Taxis and a dedicated Airport Bus.
The airport currently handles over 30,000 aircraft movements a year, 5,000 of which are for passenger aircraft. The terminal handles approximately 300,000 passengers each year, a large increase of passengers compared to 2005.[1]
Apart from serving as a Passenger airport, there are also numerous facilities for pilots or would-be pilots to train and learn. The Clarence Valley Aero Club (also known as the Coffs Aero Club) and other numerous training facilities are located within Coffs Harbour Airport. Coffs Harbour Airport annually attracts pilots from around the world to Coffs Harbour to train and fulfill their dream of aviation.[2]
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[edit] Airport Facilities and Services
[edit] Facilities
Coffs Harbour airport features commercial and general aviation facilities, charter facilities, helicopter services, aircraft maintenance services, a conference room for hire and a 24-hour security car park. There is also an automated teller machine (ATM) and a café in the passenger terminal.
The Airport Terminal Cafe: serves snacks, drink and also sells a wide variety of Items such as Magazines. There are numerous tables with seating for people to use while awaiting departure.
Car rental companies: 6 Car Rental Companies are located at Coffs Harbour Airport.[3]
Coffs Airport Security Carpark: Coffs Harbour Airport has secure undercover parking right next to the terminal, 7 days a week from 5.30am to 1/2 hour after the last scheduled flight. Parking is $12.50 including GST for 24 hours and is cheaper for extended periods. No booking is required.[1]
Free parking: is also provided for over 200 cars with construction now completed on two more car parks which add approximately 150 new spaces.[3]
[edit] Meteorological Services
The Coffs Harbour Meteorological Office was established on the 13th of November, 1940. Initially only 2 forecasters and 1 Observer was offered at the Coffs Harbour Aerodrome, the slot was not filled until August 4, 1942, when a USAAF Observer Meteorological Office (MO) was established. On February 1, 1943, The USAAF withdrew and a RAAF Observer and Interpreter was assigned to the Office, The office was back in use 2 days later, using a converted oil shed as the Meteorological Office (MO). In May 1943 the MO was moved to the previous operations building.[4]
On the 26th of September, 1967, Observations moved to a newly purpose built $70,000 (AUD) Meteorological Office. With the increasing complexity of technology in the Observation network, it was decided to permanently appoint an Electronics Officer at Coffs Harbour to maintain electronic equipment throughout the area. The Observation office was extended to include a Regional Workshop and an upgraded radar.
On the 24th of December, 1996, With the anticipated closing of Williamtown Meteorological Office, an Upper Air program commenced at Coffs Harbour to serve as a replacement. A radiosonde was included with the weather balloon flights which transmitted temperature, humidity and pressure data as it ascended through the atmosphere. The program ceased late September 1998 when it was decided to leave Williamtown open.[4]
[edit] Terminal Expansion
At the end of 1999 work started on the $4 million terminal expansion to overcome serious overcrowding at peak times and to meet the growing demand for the airport for at least the next 10 years. The new expanded terminal became operational in November 2000, and opened It's doors with a large Celebration and Airshow.
All of this work was completed without cost to state or federal governments, and without cost to the taxpayer. The airport is fully self-sufficient. Only those using the airport are paying for the facilities. Money for the upgrades is being repaid over the next 14 years through operating profits.[5]
Throughout this, the airport experienced its first dose of international travel, to and from New Zealand. Although that route and destination is no longer flown, the airport, combined with Coffs Harbour's growing population, will mean more is to come for the airport.
[edit] Statistics
The airport currently handles over 30,000 aircraft movements per annum, 5,000 of which are for passenger aircraft.[1]
| Year | Total Passengers | |
|---|---|---|
| 2004-2005 | 260,000 | |
| 2006-2007 | 300,000 | |
[edit] Airlines and Destinations
- Brindabella Airlines (Brisbane, Canberra, Newcastle, Port Macquarie)
- Qantas
- QantasLink (Sydney, Lord Howe Island)
- Virgin Blue (Melbourne, Sydney)
[edit] Former Airlines
The following airlines previously served Coffs Harbour Airport.
- Jetstar (Melbourne-Tullamarine)
- Australian air Express
- Kendell (Operation on behalf of Ansett)
- Sunshine Express Airlines
- Regional Express Airlines
[edit] Incidents and Accidents
On May 15, 2003, an Ambulance Service of New South Wales Beechcraft B200C King Air aircraft had to make an emergency landing at Coffs Harbour Airport after it hit the sea, a reef or the Harbour's Breakwall near the Coffs Harbour boat harbour during an instrument approach in heavy rain and poor visibility. One of the main landing gear legs was torn off; there were no injuries.[6] The aircraft was subsequently scrapped.
[edit] External links
- Coffs Harbour Airport
- Coffs Airport Security Carpark
- Coffs Harbour and District Aero Club
- Information on General Aviation and Commercial Training at Coffs Harbour
- Airservices Australia Aerodome Chart
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Coffs Airport, Website, Accessed September 2007
- ^ Coffs Airport Website, General Aviation, Accessed September 2007
- ^ a b Coffs Airport Facilities, Accessed September 2007
- ^ a b Bureau of Meteorology, Coffs Harbour > History
- ^ Coffs Council-Airport History, Accessed September 2007
- ^ Final ATSB report into the Coffs Harbour CFIT accident, Accessed September 2007
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