Airservices Australia has started managing air traffic at both Broome and Karratha airports as of today in recognition of the significant boost in aircraft movement expected in northwest Australia over the coming years.
In Broome, air traffic controllers are operating from a temporary air traffic control tower, while a new, combined air traffic control tower and aviation rescue and fire fighting station is being built (scheduled for completion in mid-2011). In Karratha, an existing control tower that was decommissioned about 15 years ago has been put back into service.
Seven air traffic controllers will be based at Broome and will work across three shifts, while five controllers will work across two shifts at Karratha.
“Karratha and Broome airports are among some of the busiest regional airports in
Australia,” Airservices Australia CEO Greg Russell says. “They are an important base for extensive mining and tourism operations in Western Australia.
“The provision of air traffic control services at both airports will also ensure that we are well placed to provide safe, efficient air traffic operations in the region well into the future.”
Broome Airport.
