After almost a decade of construction, Brisbane Airport’s new billion-dollar runway, designed to fast-track the recovery of Queensland’s economy, has been opened.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Prime Minister Scott Morrison were both in attendance for the event along with Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey, who cut the opening ribbon a second too early.
The flight today mirrored the very first flight to tropical North Queensland – exactly 73 years ago to the day – and was coupled with a flyover of vintage aircraft, including a 1945 Spitfire plane.
“To be the first person to land here is amazing. It’s an amazing experience to be able to do aerobatics over an international airport,” pilot Rolph Smith told 9News.
At least 50,000 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the new runway, with an estimated 50 million passengers to pass over it by 2045.
Originally published by 9News Staff HERE.