Tate Papworth
It may be experiencing unprecedented quiet times, but that didn’t stop Melbourne Airport from celebrating a major milestone last week.
The airport marked 50 years of operation last week.
On July 1, 1970, then Prime Minister Sir John Gorton, officially declared the airport open, with the inaugural Qantas (QF530) international flight taking off to San Francisco.
The airport was initially built for aviation and leisure purposes and included a 300-seat cinema, an Astrojet Space and Science Centre,an observation deck, shops, cafes and bars.
Since then the airport’s footprint has expanded, growing from three terminals to fourt, facilitating holidaymakers, business travellers and the movements of freight and goods.
Since that day 50 years ago, Melbourne Airport has seen more than three quarters of a billion travellers fly in and out with the domestic market accounting for 600 million passengers and international accounting for 169 million people.
Melbourne Airport chief executive Lyell Strambi said he was proud of how the airport has developed over the decades.
“When the airport first opened it was iconic for the whole state,” Mr Strambi said.
“It created opportunity for people to reach destinations that they could previously only dream of.
“Our continued focus on the traveller experience is what has enabled Melbourne Airport to endure the test of time.”
While it’s in the midst of chalenging times, Mr Strambi said he looked forward to the day the community was able to once again take to the sky.
“We have a strong team, dedicated to the growth of the business and to the continuous planning for the future,” Mr Strambi said.
“The airport continues to grow and evolve with Melbourne. It’s ironic that we are celebrating 50 years since the birth of Melbourne Airport, as we get ready for a rebirth of flying activity to begin, post COVID-19.
“This will go down in history as another seminal moment in the history of Melbourne and its airport.”
As part of the milestone, the airport is launching a program for junior travellers.
The first learning module is based around the airport’s 50th milestone and includes informativev ideos featuring air traffic controllers, pilots, and airport staff.
It also includes puzzles, games and challenges.
