Harry Riggs Albany Regional Airport (ALH) in Western Australia is due to begin extensive upgrades by the end of the year. The City of Albany has awarded the construction contract to Downer Group, which will lead the project.
Major Upgrades to Begin by the End of the Year
Harry Riggs Albany Regional Airport (ALH) is located just over 400 kilometres from Perth and is widely used for regular passenger services and business travel, including fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) travel for the mining industry. It is used by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, water bombers and general aviation aircraft.
Its location provides a gateway to the Great Southern, handling more than 65,000 people each year on passenger services alone.
This project will include major upgrades to the strengthening and resurfacing of the main runway, upgrades to taxiways and aprons, improvements to airfield lighting, drainage works and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) compliance upgrades.
The project is worth AUD $44.2 million, which is a joint contribution: AUD $14.7 million from the Albanese Government’s Growing Regions program, AUD $14 million Cook Government election commitment and AUD $15.5 million from the City of Albany.
What the Upgrade Entails
These improvements aim to increase the capacity for higher volumes of customer and business services to meet growing customer demand. The upgrade will allow Harry Riggs Albany Regional Airport (ALH) to accommodate larger aircraft that are more fuel-efficient, with seating for up to 100 people. Additionally, the upgrades could support potential future flights to Australia’s east coast.
WA Minister for Regional Development Stephen Dawson said:
“This investment reinforces Albany’s role as a key regional centre and supports the continued growth and development of the Great Southern.”
Are you more likely to fly to Albany after these major upgrades? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!
