Proserpine / Whitsunday Coast Airport Expecting Best Year Yet!

It's recently been reported that the Proserpine / Whitsunday Coast Airport is set to achieve its best result on record in the 2014-15 financial year with passenger numbers forecast to be their highest yet.

File photo

Whitsunday Regional Council has announced that the airport was forecast to experience a 10 per cent growth in passenger numbers during the 2014-15 financial year, resulting in a total direct tourism industry contribution by inbound passengers of about $200 million.

These forecasts follow a very successful 2013-14 year, where the airport achieved a four per cent increase in passenger numbers, making for a combined 20 per cent growth in passenger numbers over the past three years.

File photo taken by Dave  ©

Actual passenger numbers totalled 243,795 for 2013-14, with total available seats being 320,099, creating an average flight load factor for the airport of 76 per cent.  It was anticipated that this would be improved markedly through the next year, with passenger numbers forecast to be between 270,000 and 280,000.

File photos taken by Dave  ©

Meanwhile, the Whitsunday Coast Airport will receive an $800,000 ground lighting upgrade.  The upgrade - approved by Council in May - is the final element of the 2013-14 capital works budget to be delivered and another step towards - what Council hopes is - the airport gaining international status.