Brisbane Airport opens new runway

On the 18th September 2007, the federal government granted approval for the construction of a new parallel runway here at Brisbane airport. The proposed $1.3 billion runway would take approximately eight years to construct and was to be built on swamp land west of the current terminal area and parallel to the existing main runway. On the 30th of July 2012 site preparation and reclamation works commenced. Well I am excited to say today Brisbane airports new runway, 01L / 19R which is 3,300 metres long (10,800 feet), was officially opened. Virgin Australia was the first airline to depart on the new runway taking off from the 01L end. Virgin Australia flight VA 781, a Boeing 737-8FE, VH-YFW pushed back at 10.50am and began taxiing at 10.58am.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA B737-8FE VH-YFW (CN 41037)

It took 8 minutes to taxi to the holding point of Runway 01L.

There were many dignitaries out on the field along with 10 lucky spotters chosen by computer after entering a competition.

ELITE HELICOPTERS AS.350BA VH-WMW (CN 2058)

AVIATION UTILITIES AS.350B3 VH-HTV (CN 3917)

The aircraft sat there for approx. 10 minutes then was given clearance to take off.

As it taxied out for the runway it was given a famous water arch (water canon salute) by two of the local fire tenders. 

To mark the anniversary of the very first flight between Brisbane and Tropical North Queensland by Barrier Reef Airways, which took off 73 years to the day (12th July 1947) it was only fitting that Virgin Australia got the honours. 

After Virgin departed there was an air display by a Mustang, an L-39 Albatross and a newly restored Spitfire. 

Those photos will follow shortly.