An extension of Armidale’s Regional Airport runway by 455 metres in the next five to 10 years from the current length of 1738 metres could see the addition of larger jet aircraft introduced by QANTAS.
The Northern Daily Leader reports QANTAS currently use their 74-seater Q400 turboprop aircraft and an extension of the runway would allow for additional take-off run available (TORA) which could see the addition of larger Code 3 jet aircraft, like the 100-seat Embraer E190 and Fokker F100 making Armidale a destination.
A masterplan, prepared by Aviation Projects, notes that an extended runway suitable for larger Code 3 aircraft was suitable for medium-term growth that could create viable network links to other capital hubs like Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide.
The report also encouraged Armidale Regional Council to keep land north of the existing runway clear, should future demand allow for the construction of a larger Code 4 runway that would permit the arrival of 180-seat aircraft like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320.
The short-term plan in the next five years will address drainage and proposes a shorter 150-metre extension of the primary runway as well as doubling parking to 260 spaces.
