Bankstown Airport has been named Metro Airport of the Year at the 2023 National Airport Industry Awards.
The coveted title celebrates the excellence of Bankstown Airport – operated by Aeria Management Group (AMG) – in supporting the general aviation industry and sustainable growth, including essential emergency services and emerging net zero electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Accepting the Australian Airports Association award during a ceremony in Melbourne, on 15 November, AMG Chief Executive Daniel Jarosch said it recognised the transformation of the nation’s third busiest airport into a vibrant destination, contributing more than $1 billion to the NSW economy and supporting 10,000 jobs.
“It has been an incredible journey for Aeria Management Group, our partners and customers,” he said.
“Since our owner Aware Super acquired the long-term interest in Bankstown Airport and Camden Airport, in 2015, we have had the singular vision to create thriving precincts that connect aviation, industry and community.
“I would like to thank everyone who has helped transform Bankstown Airport, including Aware Super, our development partner Barings, AMG staff, our incredible customers and our partners and supporters, such as Aecom, RP Infrastructure and the City of Canterbury Bankstown – we couldn’t do this without you.”
Bankstown Airport, in South-West Sydney, is NSW’s premier general aviation airport and home to vital operations such as air emergency services, flight training schools, aircraft charters, aircraft maintenance and recreational flights.
The airport is at the heart of the 310-hectare Aeria precinct, which also hosts the Altitude Premier Logistics Estate, leading manufacturing and distribution companies and community and recreational facilities.
The 2023 National Airport Industry Award celebrates AMG’s substantial investments in airport infrastructure and facilities and the general aviation community, including:
- New facilities for Toll NSW Air Ambulance and NSW Police Aviation Command
- Ongoing major upgrades of airside pavements and airport roadways plus airfield upgrades
- Refurbishment of the Bankstown Airport Passenger Terminal
- Rollout of rooftop solar to help deliver renewable energy to power all Bankstown Airport’s operations and a third of its customers’ electricity needs
- New community-led partnerships with organisations such as Little Wings
- New entertainment, retail and sports facilities
- Enhanced community amenity, including new placemaking, wayfinding and landscaping
- Development of the first stage of a major new airport precinct walkway to foster community spirit and active exercise
AMG has announced plans to build on such investments with the development of a major new aviation precinct at Bankstown Airport, featuring up to nine new flexible hangars with VIP aircraft access to meet the needs of aviators today and beyond – including private charters and advanced air mobility technologies, which will be powered by electric and hydrogen aircraft and next-generation drones.
The Metro Airport of the Year Award also recognises AMG’s role in advocating for the future of general aviation, including its call for Commonwealth Government support to minimise the impacts on Bankstown Airport flight training schools, due to airspace changes related to the future Western Sydney International Airport.