Launceston Airport
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| Launceston Airport | |||
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| IATA: LST – ICAO: YMLT | |||
| Summary | |||
| Airport type | Public | ||
| Operator | Australia Pacific Airports Corporation Limited | ||
| Serves | Launceston | ||
| Location | Western Junction | ||
| Elevation AMSL | 562 ft / 171 m | ||
| Coordinates | |||
| Website | |||
| Runways | |||
| Direction | Length | Surface | |
| m | ft | ||
| 14R/32L | 1,981 | 6,499 | Asphalt |
| 14L/32R | 700 | 2,297 | Grass |
| 18/36 | 690 | 2,264 | Grass |
| Source: Australian AIP[1] | |||
Launceston Airport (IATA: LST, ICAO: YMLT) is a regional airport on the outskirts of Launceston, Tasmania. Situated in the rural area of Western Junction, the airport is located 15 km (9.3 mi) from the Launceston City Centre. Hobart International Airport and Launceston Airport are the only two airports in Tasmania to reach one million passenger movements per year. And like its Hobart counterpart Launceston is a curfew free airport. On January 22, 2007, Launceston Airport recorded its highest passenger movements in one month, 100,000 passengers. During the first three months of 2008, 309,000 passengers passed through Launceston Airport, the most in any previous yearly quarter. Up 11% on the previous year. [2]
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[edit] History
After the formation of the Tasmanian Aero Club in 1927, the building of the first air travel facility in Tasmania on the site, the Western Junction Aerodrome, began and was first used in 1930, with the aerodrome being officially opened in 1929.[3] In 1962 a plan for major redevelopment of the airport was approved. This included strengthening of all pavements, a runway extension, and soon after a new terminal building.[4] The site was officially reopened that same year as Launceston Airport. In October 1982 the runway was further upgraded to Boeing 767 standard. In 1998, the airport was privatized, now being owned by a group known as Australia Pacific Airports Corporation Limited, who is also the owner of Melbourne Airport, in conjunction with Launceston City Council. The collapse of Ansett Australia in 2001, the introduction of Virgin Blue and the Qantas subsidiary Jetstar Airways in 2001 & 2004, and the creation of the Australian Low Cost Airline market have all contributed to a dramatic increase in aircraft movements at Launceston Airport. In 2007 Launceston Airport celebrated the milestone of reaching one million passenger movements per year as well as the introduction of Tiger Airways Australia.[5]
[edit] Terminal Building
The terminal building services the four interstate airlines: QantasLink, Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger Airways Australia.
Passengers departing Launceston leave via Gate 2 for QantasLink and Jetstar, and Gate 3 for Virgin Blue and Tiger Airways Australia. Passengers enter the terminal building through the gate closest to the stand where their aircraft is parked (Gates 1-4)
Inside the terminal, there is information on what to do, what to eat and where to stay in Launceston and surrounds by the means of pamphlets, the directory board and the tourist 'touch' computer. There is one food outlet in the terminal, Kavihan Cafe, which serves hot and cold food. There is also an automated teller machine and postal facilities in the terminal.
There's been a much needed $20 million dollar upgraded that just been started in during April 2008 and is expected to be finished in mid 2009; this includes:[citation needed]
Outbound Passenger Processing (May 2008 - December 2008)
- Increased space around the airline check-in counters and processing area;
- Improved baggage handling system, linked via a security screening system to allow smooth baggage delivery to aircraft;
- Improved passenger screening facilities with greater space for screening processing of passengers;
- New roomy air conditioned gate lounges of around 1,000 m² (11,000 sq ft) will be provided for passengers awaiting flights[citation needed]
Public Lounge Facilities (July 2008 - March 2009)
- The public lounge floor area will be increased by 100 m² (1,100 sq ft) and existing security screening areas reconfigured to allow a floor area of around 800 m² (8,600 sq ft) to meet and greet passengers by any attending public;
- Refurbished cafe and retail areas, providing seating with an expansive view of the airport apron and runways via a full height glass facade to public lounges.[citation needed]
Inbound Passengers (May 2008 - July 2009)
- A new baggage arrivals shed of 600 m² (6,500 sq ft) will be constructed to allow the existing eastern baggage reclaim area to be refurbished to allow for greater mill space for passengers waiting for baggage;
- Two new baggage carousels to assist in smooth baggage reclaim by passengers;
- Combined car rental counter to allow for better passenger access with lower adjacent airport movement.[citation needed]
[edit] Airlines and Destinations
| Destinations |
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| Airlines | Destinations |
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| Airlines of Tasmania | Flinders Island |
| Australian air Express | Melbourne-Tullamarine |
| Qantas |
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| Tiger Airways Australia | Melbourne-Tullamarine |
| Virgin Blue | Melbourne-Tullamarine, Sydney |
[edit] Car hire
Six hire car operators operate from Launceston Airport:
All have rental car desks positioned inside the main terminal building with car rental return situated within 200 metres of the main terminal building.
[edit] Ground Transport
- Launceston Airport has a Short Term and a Long Term Car Park, as well as an Overflow Carpark that can accommodate 150 Cars, and is accessible any time.
- The Airport Shuttle Bus operates from the City Centre to the airport, with pick up/drop off at your door in most suburbs, hotels and motels.
- Taxis run to/from the airport to the city centre for around $25
- Limousine airport transfers for up to 7 people
[edit] Accidents and incidents
- In May 2003, Qantas Flight 1737 was hijacked shortly after takeoff from Melbourne Airport en route to Launceston. The flight attendants and passengers managed to subdue and restrain the hijacker, and the plane landed safely at Melbourne.
[edit] Launceston Airport Business Park
A $200 million Business Park is already underway at Launceston Airport. It includes
- Caltex Service Station
- Airport Motor Inn
- New Retail Showrooms
- Plans for a $36 million Big Box Retail development
