Evening all,
I visited Emerald Airport today and noted that Stage 1 of the alterations and additions to the Airport Terminal are now complete. Six new check-in counters, airline offices, pilot crew room and baggage conveyor system are now in operation. QantasLink are utilising three of the counters.
Passengers are still arriving and departing from the ‘old’ terminal. Stage 2 works will include construction of a new departure lounge, Qantas Club lounge and additional toilet facilities and are anticipated to be completed and in use during August. Stage 3 works will commence in August and include extensions within the ‘old’ terminal to the existing kiosk and rental car kiosk areas, expansion of the arrivals lounge and installation of a baggage collection carousel.
With all this development, Virgin Blue are again rumoured to be starting flights in and out of Emerald, but the lack of baggage and passenger screening, as well as a runway that is too narrow, are currently preventing scheduled services from starting.
The cost of this project is approx $7,700,000 with $2,000,000 funding being provided by the Queensland State Government under the Rural Living Infrastructure Program.
I have posted some photos on my blog... http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com/
Cheers
Damian