Brisbane Airport awarded capital city airport of the year

Brisbane Airport has taken out the capital city airport of the year award at the Australian Airports Association (AAA) national conference for a second straight year.

The AAA recognised Brisbane Airport for its digital departure card initiative, as well as the upgrades to the international terminal and how it managed the aircraft movements for the G20 conference in November 2014.

Among the other awards, Launceston Airport was named major airport of the year for its work improving the airport’s entrance and exits, as well as new car parking options and office space.

Away from the big cities, Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport took out the large regional airport of the year category and Horn Island Airport was awarded small regional airport of the year.

The awards were presented at the AAA national conference dinner on Wednesday evening in Hobart.

The AAA said the assessment criteria was changed in 2015, with the major airport and capital city airport of the year awards based on specific projects.

“The AAA National Airport Industry Awards are a valuable way for airports and corporate members to showcase their contributions and provides the industry with the opportunity to celebrate and honour these achievements,” AAA chief executive Caroline Wilkie said in a statement.

“The new awards criteria, categories and initiatives introduced this year are designed to recognise the array of activities involved in successful airport operations such as customer experience, infrastructure development and environmental management, as well as to encourage greater participation from regional airport operators around the country.”

The AAA said there were a record high 79 nominations across all three categories.

Meanwhile, outgoing Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) chief executive Dennis Chant received the outstanding contribution to the industry award in recognition of his 16 years with the company.

And AAA chairman Stephen Goodwin, who is stepping down from the post after four years in the role, was given a distinguished service award.

Full list of awards:

• Capital City Airport of the Year – Brisbane Airport (QLD) for its ‘Digital Departure Card’ solution; International Terminal transformation; and, operational management for the G20 conference
• Major Airport of the Year – Launceston Airport (TAS) for its overhaul of the airport entrance/exit; new airport parking solutions; and, new suite of terminal office accommodation
• Large Regional Airport of the Year – Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport (QLD) for its terminal and airport development
• Small Regional Airport of the Year – Horn Island Airport (QLD) for its airport chapel project
• Corporate Project of the Year – Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (SA) for its airport master planning project
• Airport Innovation & Excellence (Customer Experience) – Canberra Airport (ACT) for its “Here to Help” initiative
• Airport Innovation & Excellence (Environmental Management) – Canberra Airport (ACT) for its resource reduction program
• Airport Innovation & Excellence (Commercial) – Darwin International Airport (NT) for its terminal expansion project
• Airport Innovation & Excellence (Operations) – Sydney Airport (NSW) for its early bag storage; and, make-up expansion
• Airport Innovation & Excellence (Infrastructure Development) – Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport (QLD) for its runway and terminal expansion project
• Airport Innovation & Excellence (Technology) presented by SITA – Perth Airport (WA) for its Xovis passenger tracking technology