Sunday, 2 February 2025

Newcastle Airport Year in Review: 2024 Wrapped

Newcastle Airport 
As we bid farewell to another bustling year, Newcastle Airport reflects on 2024—a year marked by milestones, record-breaking figures, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. From 1.2 million passengers to thousands of coffees brewed and tonnes of concrete poured, 2024 has been a year of growth and transformation for our region’s gateway to the world. Here's the full scoop on a remarkable year for Newcastle Airport.

Passenger Love: A Record-Breaking Year

Newcastle Airport reached new heights in 2024, with over 1.2 million passengers flying in and out of the region. This marks the busiest year in five years for the airport, and October was particularly busy, with 110,000 passengers—that’s like filling the Sydney Opera House 20 times over! The airport also saw its highest annual load factor in a decade, meaning flights were more packed than ever, proving just how much the Hunter region loves to travel.

Fueling Your Travels: Coffee, Croissants, and More

At Newcastle Airport, we know that nothing gets the day started like a good cup of coffee. In 2024, our outlets served up a staggering 232,466 coffees, enough to fuel 820 medium-sized cars if you filled their tanks with caffeine! But that’s not all—hungry travellers enjoyed 19,148 burgers, 22,078 croissants, and 118,603 plated meals, making sure every journey began with a full stomach. Of course, the celebrations didn’t stop there. Passengers toasted their travels with 70,895 beers and 25,787 glasses of wine—cheers to that!

Furry Friends: The Hunter Pet Motel’s Record Engagement

In June, the Hunter Pet Motel opened its doors, offering a haven for travellers' pets while they take flight. The addition became an instant hit, earning over 30,852 Facebook interactions—proof that the community truly adores their four-legged companions. The motel has quickly become a local favourite, adding a personal touch to the Newcastle Airport experience for those travelling with pets.

Sustainability in Focus: Eco-Friendly Achievements

Newcastle Airport 
Newcastle Airport continues to lead the charge in sustainable practices, and 2024 was no exception. Water refill stations saved over 105,156 plastic bottles, helping passengers stay hydrated while reducing waste. Our electric vehicle (EV) chargers provided 4,000 kWh of energy, enough to power an EV for a journey of over 20,000 km, circumnavigating Australia!

We also achieved a significant milestone by becoming Net Zero (Scope 1 & 2) six years ahead of schedule. This achievement, coupled with our partnership with CommBank to fund future growth through a Green Sustainability-Linked Loan, underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Terminal Expansion: Building the Future

Big things are happening at Newcastle Airport as we continue to build the airport our region deserves. In 2024, we made significant strides in our terminal expansion project, working towards a 5-Star Green Star Buildings rating. This ambitious development aims to enhance the passenger experience and position Newcastle Airport as a sustainable, world-class facility.

We poured 6,000 cubic metres of concrete and used 600 tonnes of steel to shape the future of our international terminal. In total, 1,198 people worked on the construction site, contributing 179,283 hours towards the development. A significant milestone was celebrated with the placement of the final roof beam during our Topping Out Ceremony. The grand opening of the expanded terminal is set for 1st August 2025—a date eagerly anticipated by the local community and beyond.

Connecting the Region: Aviation and Business Growth

2024 was a year of building connections—both locally and globally. The "That’s the Newy Way" campaign showcased everything that makes Newcastle unique, from its stunning coastline to its vibrant city life. The Aviation Business Development Team took this message abroad, attending key events across six countries and engaging in 101 airline meetings, paving the way for more travel options and global partnerships.

Our website saw nearly 1.3 million visits in 2024, with the most popular pages being Arrivals & Departures, and flights to Melbourne and Brisbane. We also provided over 33,000 free Wi-Fi logins, keeping passengers connected whether they were working, streaming, or sharing their travel moments.

Recognising the Team: Our Staff’s Wellbeing

The strength of Newcastle Airport lies in its people. In 2024, we welcomed 28 new team members, ensuring that our staff continues to grow and bring fresh perspectives to our operations. We're proud to report that 52% of our workforce is female, promoting equality in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Furthermore, 27% of our staff are trained as Mental Health First Aiders, reflecting our commitment to the wellbeing of our team and community.

Our focus on staff wellbeing was recognised when we were awarded the Best Health and Wellbeing (Large Organisation) award at the 2024 Hunter Safety Awards, celebrating our efforts to support our team’s mental and physical health.

Safety First: Ensuring a Secure Travel Experience

Safety is paramount at Newcastle Airport. In 2024, we facilitated 1,743 inbound medical flights, ensuring that those in need received timely and safe transport. Our staff also completed over 1,095 Work, Health, and Safety courses, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to maintaining a secure and safe environment for both passengers and employees.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Newcastle Airport

As we move into 2025, Newcastle Airport is poised for another exciting year of growth and innovation. Our terminal expansion continues to progress, and we remain committed to connecting the Hunter region with the world through sustainable, passenger-focused services. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our passengers, staff, and the community for their support as we continue to evolve and enhance the regional travel experience.

Here’s to another year of progress, sustainability, and seamless journeys through Newcastle Airport—the airport our region deserves!

https://www.newcastleairport.com.au/

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