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The aerobridges that will connect Gold Coast Airport passengers to their next journey travelled about 13,500 kilometres across land and sea, visiting seven cities in two countries along the way, before arriving – ready to be installed.
The aerobridges were manufactured in Shenzhen in China before the majority were transported to Shanghai and to avoid a typhoon, transferred to Tianjin, before travelling by sea to Port Kembla in NSW and on to Melbourne, down to Newcastle, and eventually, the Port of Brisbane.
The last part of the trip for each of the four glass aerobridges involved being trucked down the M1 at night across the border into NSW, before being turned around at Chinderah and back to the airport, ready for installation from next week by a dual 150 tonne crane lift.
The aerobridges each weigh 31 tonnes and measure 22 metres when they arrive, extending to 40 metres when in place. As part of the installation process, the aerobridges are connected to large hold down bolts, standing more than two metres tall and 1.4 metres wide.
Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said the arrival of the aerobridges was an important milestone in the development of the Gold Coast Airport terminal expansion.
“There has been a lot of anticipation around the aerobridges and it is exciting to have them arrive, ready for installation,” he said.
“They are a central feature of the project and will be a real talking point for passengers when they see them in place from later this month.”
Mr Mills said the glass aerobridges would deliver views of the spectacular Gold Coast and northern NSW region for arriving and departing passengers.
“One of the things that makes Gold Coast Airport unique is our location near the coast and hinterland. Therefore, it is ideal that visitors will get glimpses of the region from the time they arrive here and just before they leave,” he said.
Each aerobridge has a green glass tint, which makes them aesthetically unique in Australia.
The terminal expansion will deliver a significant change in space and experience for passengers when it opens next year. The three-level, 30,000sq m expansion will double the terminal footprint and includes additional retail space, and new boarding facilities, a large departure lounge, baggage handling and border control facilities.
Customers will experience a fresh, modern facility, while continuing to enjoy a warm welcome from the GCA team and the ease of use they expect.