Design, Construction and Opening
The construction works comprised of 2 main elements:
- Airside Lengthening and strengthening of runway 01/19 from 1402m to 1812m with associated upgrade and widening of taxiway A and the apron area. Incorporated in these works was the sealing, line marking and minor extension of runway 15/33. This work was completed by Council in early 2017 in order for Rex to continue to provide Regular Public Transport (RPT) services to the Island during the upgrade process which inevitably involved the closure of the main runway 01/19. Main contract works commenced in January 2017 with work suspended at the end of May (for winter) and restarted in September with all works completed mid-December 2017.
- Landside This component of the project covered the construction of a new terminal, sized appropriately to international standards for the simultaneous arrival and departure of a 100 seat regional jet and a 74 seat regional turbo prop aircraft. The total terminal footprint was expanded from 350m2 to 2100m2 and incorporated modern check in and baggage handling facilities together with café/retail facilities, the ability to securely screen passengers to meet Federal compliance requirements and a secure waiting lounge for those screened passengers. The design process for this component commended in April 2016 and construction commenced in May 2017 with all works complete in early June 2018.
A vital part of the upgrade was the need to be able to provide passenger and baggage screening services to satisfy Commonwealth Air Security Regulations requiring screening of passengers and their bags who were able to enter directly into capital city airports. This involved the provision of X-ray and explosive trace detection on checked baggage and on passengeThe Airport needed to apply for, and obtain, a higher level of compliance than previously held. As flight services requiring screening are likely to increase, this will also generate additional employment opportunities for our Communityrs and their hand luggage.
The Airport needed to apply for, and obtain, a higher level of compliance than previously held. As flight services requiring screening are likely to increase, this will also generate additional employment opportunities for our Community.
Through careful design and the incorporation of the old terminal into the overall terminal we have the ability to manage and maintain screened and unscreened services departing simultaneously. This provides greater flexibility in operations and service appropriate costs for operating airlines.
As a result of negotiations, led by Council and the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) with Qantas, new services were confirmed and provided by Qantas commencing in early December 2017 with an additional 5 services per week to and from Adelaide. A 6 week trial of Melbourne direct flights ran from 17 December 2017 until 28 January 2018. Both services are considered successful and have been committed to for 2018-2019.
It is pleasing to note that with Rex and Qantas providing air services to the Island we have been able to grow passenger numbers by 12.8% over the 7 months, December 2017 to June 2018. This places the airport firmly on target to achieve over 50,000 passenger movements a year in 2018-2019. It is noted that future growth of passenger numbers will be directly related to frequency of service and from cementing regular east coast direct services. There is a world-wide shortage of pilots at this time and aircraft availability is therefore limited. The Kangaroo Island Council, in conjunction with South Australian Tourism Commission and Island tourism operators will continue to work collaboratively to build demand and therefore profitability for the airlines to ensure that additional services – essential for a tourism destination such as KI – become available.
The facilities are recognized for their incorporation of strong KI imagery aligned with the Brand and being a great example of how a building can be fit for purpose yet make a significant statement and contribution as a gateway to the Island and its Community. The Terminal has been short-listed for the prestigious World Architecture Festival Awards – Transport category and the award will be announced at the Festival, held in Amsterdam, Netherlands at the end of November (https://www.worldarchitecturefestival.com/transport-completed-buildings-1)
The total cost of the project was $21.25 million with the Commonwealth and State Governments contributing $10.25 million each with the balance provided by Kangaroo Island Council.
The facilities were formally opened on 4 July 2018 by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull MP, Premier of South Australian Steven Marshall MP and Mayor Peter Clements.
