November 22 marked a historic milestone for Newcastle Airport when the first flights servicing New Zealand in 16 years landed at 8.50pm to an excited crowd of family, friends and media.
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Unfortunately, the return flight from Williamtown to Auckland was delayed to the following day, on November 23, due to an “engineering technicality”.
Passengers were told the plane needed to be checked after a lightning strike during its earlier flight.
The occasion was celebrated with the official opening of the new international gates welcoming the first passengers into the $1.6 million international processing facility at Williamtown for the first time.
Airport CEO Peter Cock described the arrival of the inaugural flight as a major milestone, with the much-anticipated service operated by Virgin Australia marking the start of three direct international services per week.
The 13-week seasonal service would operate over the peak holiday period with direct flights available every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday between now and February 17, 2019.
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Guests arriving from Auckland included Port Stephens mayor Ryan Palmer, airport chair Peter Gesling and excited V8 Supercars fans.
Mayor Palmer said the flight marked a key step in the ongoing expansion of the airport – operated by both Port Stephens and Newcastle councils – and its strategic importance to the Hunter.
“This opens up a new world of opportunities for residents and visitors alike,” he said.
Mr Cock said the service would provide innumerable benefits to tourism, business, and for people visiting family and friends on both sides of the Tasman.
“I would like to specifically recognise the support and cooperation of the Federal Government, NSW Government, Virgin Australia, Airport Shareholders City of Newcastle and Port Stephens, and the people of our region in sharing our vision to deliver the airport the region deserves,” he said. “Without their help this new route, and all its broader benefits, would not be happening.”
In a state-first, Port Stephens-Hunter police will take policing responsibility of the terminal instead of the Australian Federal Police.
Officers from the command have trained with the AFP in Sydney to learn of the new responsibilities.
Australian Border Force workers will be the first to greet travellers for passport checks, before screening to identify powders, liquids, aerosols and gels for those departing Newcastle begins.
Authorities will conduct random frisk searches as there is no body screening machine, but consent must be gained from travellers in order to do so.
Failure to consent will result in no flight.
On the journey from Auckland, travellers who the border force identify for questioning can be taken into a number of meeting rooms and officials have resources to inspect and deconstruct detained goods.
The latest trace and substance technology is also on-site for testing procedures.
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