July 07, 2017

Launceston Airport's Terminal Transformation Receives Further Industry Recognition

The "Boags Upper Deck, Bar and Restaurant" at Launceston Airport has taken out the "Food and Beverage Offer Best Reflecting Sense of Place" in the Asia Pacific Region, at the Airport FAB 2017 Awards held in Toronto June 21-23. The FAB Awards recognise and reward global best practice for food and beverage facilities in airports around the world.

The airport’s $3.5m terminal transformation project, completed in June 2016, included a 600-square metre expansion of the terminal significantly enhancing the dining and shopping facilities, incorporating a strong Tasmanian flavour. As part of this project, the world-first Boags restaurant and bar, the ‘Boags Upper Deck’ was opened. The Boags Upper Deck is operated by Emirates Leisure Retail Australia (ELRA), alongside two Hudsons Coffee outlets and a Wilderness Espresso Café.

The project also received a further accolade this weekend. Architects, The Buchan Group, responsible for the design of the building extension were awarded the Commercial Architecture Award at the 2017 Tasmanian Architecture Awards held by the Australian Institute of Architects in Hobart on the weekend.

In making the award, it was acknowledged that the space celebrates the typically informal personal welcome that Launceston is proud of and is filled with the life and affection of mingling departing and arrival crowds. The project was delivered in conjunction with Tasmanian building company Fairbrother, engineers, JMG Engineering and quantity surveyor Lifecycle Cost Management.

Launceston Airport continues to invest in terminal improvements with a $2m re-shaping project currently underway. The aim is to improve passenger comfort by providing travelers with the opportunity to rest, relax and enjoy the new airport dining options and retail facilities to the full, right up until boarding of their flight. The improvements facilitate a faster boarding process for the airlines, allowing for more punctual aircraft departures. The project is due for completion later this year.

Quotes attributable to Paul Hodgen, General Manager, Launceston Airport:

“We’re proud of our continued investment in the redevelopment of the terminal and alongside our partners to receive industry recognition for our recent work.” said Mr Hodgen. “The upcoming changes will further improve our award-winning customer experience. Our focus is to ensure that every visitor to our airport can take full advantage of our upgraded facilities, whether that’s for travellers awaiting departure directly, or for those visitors saying farewell or welcoming a traveller through the airport.”

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Notes to editors:

In June 2016 the airport unveiled the final phase of a $3.5m terminal transformation project, which included a 600-square metre expansion of the terminal featuring a total transformation of the airport dining and retail facilities. As part of this project, Launceston Airport introduced free Wi-Fi for passengers and visitors to the terminal.

Launceston Airport was recognised as the “Major Airport of the Year” in the Australian Airports Association 2016 national airport industry awards, for the second consecutive year. The Australian Airport Association represents the interests of more than 260 airports around the country.

Launceston Airport also received the “Innovation and Excellence Award – Commercial” in the Australian Airports Association 2016 national airport industry awards, for the airport retail transformation project.

For further information contact: Launceston Airport - (03) 6391 6222

Australia Pacific Airports (Launceston) acknowledges the First Nations people and Traditional Owners of Tasmania including the Land that Launceston Airport operates on. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all other First Nations People.