The PHIA Group of Companies (PHIA Group) has today announced an historic milestone following the successful completion of the transaction with the Town of Port Hedland in respect of the 50 year lease of Port Hedland International Airport.
Commencing today under the terms of the lease, the operation and development of the airport will formally transition from the Town of Port Hedland to PHIA Group.
PHIA Group Chairman, the Hon. Cheryl Edwardes, said that the commencement of the long term lease marks the beginning of a new era for Port Hedland International Airport.
“The PHIA Group is privileged and excited to have been entrusted as lessee and operator of the airport and gateway to the Pilbara, and looks forward to working on the transformation of this important community asset during the early years of our stewardship.”
“PHIA Group’s underlying investors, managed by AMP Capital and Infrastructure Capital Group, are preeminent Australian infrastructure investors committed to investing in the Port Hedland International Airport with the goal of it becoming one of Australia’s best regional airports.”
PHIA Group will be led by newly appointed Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of PHIA Operating Company, Mitchell Cameron, whose extensive airports sector experience includes working in senior roles at Sydney Airport and as General Manager of Karratha Airport during its recently unveiled terminal redevelopment.
PHIA Group confirmed that offers of employment had been made to all permanent employees of the Town of Port Hedland who were working at the airport, and that the vast majority of those employees had accepted these offers.
Financial close was reached following satisfaction of a number of conditions precedent that included approvals from both the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Office of Transport Security for the operation of the airport by PHIA Group.
Further Contact: Mitchell Cameron CEO PHIA Group (08) 9140 1288