Last week marked the first operations from Port Hedland International Airport’s dedicated Heliport facility, a first for Port Hedland and geared to meet the needs of the offshore oil and gas industry. PHIA designed and launched the facility and current operations are for Bristow Helicopters Australia and their client, Quadrant Energy with a campaign on the Development Driller 1 rig.
At the Heliport opening, PHIA Group Chairman, the Hon. Cheryl Edwardes AM said, “this is an exciting time for all of us and the community of Port Hedland, this adds to the diversification of the Airport and contributes local employment and economic opportunities”.
The Chairman’s presentation included key announcements and development updates; including the Port Hedland International Airport Masterplan and Land Use Plan to cover the planning for a 20 year period which is now undergoing deep-level consultation across multiple sectors.
The Masterplan is a roadmap to guide future development opportunities in terms of aviation and non-aviation related activities and identifies the key landside and airside capex projects; such as a new Taxiway Golf, an Asphalt Overlay of the Runway and Runway Lighting enhancements.
One of the highlights is the commitment to a new purpose built passenger terminal that will reflect the needs of the Pilbara region and be ranked with the best in regional Australia. Cheryl Edwardes, added “the construction of a new building will minimise public disruption and will deliver a safe, modern, and secure terminal, we and the community will be proud of for many many years to come”.
NS Projects were recently announced as the consulting project management for the terminal construction, along with international architecture firm, Woods Bagot, for the design.
The Airport is an integral part of the community and economy of Port Hedland, and is a critical component of the resource industry in the Pilbara. Future goals include:
- The creation of facilities and opportunities that meet the needs and expectations of our community, customers, stakeholders and shareholders
- Emerging as the most significant economic transport precinct in the Pilbara, contributing to the employment and growth of the region, and
- Transitioning from an aviation and infrastructure facility, to an economic activity hub, attracting a variety of aeronautical and commercial services, facilities and developments.
PHIA Group Chairman, the Hon. Cheryl Edwardes AM said “this is a long-term investment in Port Hedland, beyond the airport fence. We are positioning the airport for the future with new technologies and innovations, whilst making considered decisions and pursuing tangible opportunities for growth”.