Canberra Airport Opens Up a World of Opportunities for the Region

From September, NSW travellers will have access to a second international airport when Singapore Airlines launch regular international flights from Canberra.

The new Capital Express route will provide two direct international destination options with flight SQ292/291 operating Canberra-Singapore and Canberra-Wellington.

Since it was purchased in 1998 Capital Airport Group has invested more than $2 billion in facilities at Canberra Airport, investments that will help it make history on 21 September when it welcomes the first Singapore Airlines flight.

Canberra Airport Chairman, Mr Terry Snow AM, said the decision by Singapore Airlines to begin operations was justification of the long-term vision that Canberra Airport has had for many years. “From day one, my family set about creating a world-class gateway for the national capital. As long-term locals committed to the prosperity of the capital region, our campaign to see Canberra become linked directly to the rest of the world has been constant,” said Mr Snow.

Hit the ground running in Singapore
Canberra is not just an alternative airport for travellers from regional NSW. Business travellers from Sydney will also find the Singapore Airlines flights from Canberra are convenient, according to Canberra Airport Managing Director Stephen Byron.

“Drive time to Canberra Airport from Western Sydney is only two hours, while traffic delays in Sydney’s road network often mean the journey from Western Sydney to Sydney Airport exceeds 1.5 hours.
“The last Qantas plane leaves Sydney at 5pm and there are none after that. The last Singapore Airlines flight from Sydney is at 7pm so a business person arrives in Singapore at midnight, which is 3am Sydney local time. It just does not work for an 8.30am meeting the next morning.

“The global city of Sydney doesn’t have a true overnight business flight to Singapore, which is one of the world’s great business hubs. From September with our flights, Sydney will have a true connection for an overnight business flight because with our flight leaving at 11.30pm, someone can leave Sydney at 9.30pm at night, land in Canberra at 10.30pm and an hour later be on their way to Singapore,” Mr Byron said.

Drive, park, stay, fly: it’s all so easy in Canberra
Canberra Airport’s international flights don’t just benefit the people of Canberra but the entire region. From as far north as Wollongong to as far south as Albury, people will be able to enjoy the convenience of international flights from Canberra without the need to go through Sydney.

Car parking at Canberra Airport is the country’s cheapest. Canberra Airport’s weekend parking special means passengers can park at the airport for the whole weekend for just $35. Enter the car park after 3pm on Friday and exit before closing on Sunday (10:30pm or 30 min after last flight arrives). Long Stay specials are available for purchase from the Customer Service Office.

At Canberra Airport’s car parks there is no need to bother with cash and tickets. On entering the car park, simply insert your credit card at the entry boom-gate instead of taking a ticket. When leaving the car park, insert the same credit card, a receipt is provided and the boom-gate opens for you to exit.
Passen
gers who prefer to pay with cash can do so at the pay machines before exiting the car park.

Get in the Vibe at Canberra Airport’s surprising new hotel
Less than 10 minutes from Canberra’s CBD and 150 metres from the airport terminal, you’re as connected to the city as you are to the sky at Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport. Consisting of 191 rooms, suites and serviced apartments over seven storeys, the hotel offers sweeping views over Lake Burley Griffin to Parliament House, and across the runway to the east.
Guests walk into an eye-catching full height atrium, with a surreal spiral view of the six levels above. The gold trumpeted chimney will entice you to the fire pit for some lounging and TV watching.

Helix Bar & Dining offers an aviation inspired cocktail, or perhaps a snack from the extensive bar menu, while waiting for a flight or to welcome a new arrival. Helix Bar & Dining also offers a European inspired menu, with an emphasis on local Australian produce. Focusing on shared dishes, the menu will feature touches of French sophistication and Spanish flair, with some relaxed Italian cuisine.

‘Helix’ comes from the aeronautical term associated with the spiral shaped airflow behind a rotating aircraft propeller. The gold louvres featured on the lower ground floor and the anodized hoops in the windows and behind reception also add to that subtle aviation feel.

Thanks to Libby Hill for her words.