Brisbane Airport had a remarkable run at the Australian Airports Association (AAA) National Industry Awards in Melbourne on 15 November 2023, bringing home four wins, while Queensland airports won awards in seven categories overall.
BNE was recognised for Capital City of the Year: Sustainable Leadership and Airport Excellence Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – a shared win with Melbourne Airport for the joint initiative of Australia’s first flight handled entirely by women on International Women’s Day with Virgin Australia.
It also achieved the Airport Excellence Commercial Award for its ‘Brisbane’s Best Bites’ campaign and the Airport Excellence Infrastructure Award for the International Apron Rectification Project.
Airports in Queensland won seven of the 17 categories, underscoring aviation’s essential role in Australia’s most decentralised state, with Cairns Airport and Mackay Airport also picking up awards.
Sustainable accolades for BNE
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said BNE’s sustainable leadership included being the first Australian airport to host a hydrogen electric aircraft trial, investigate blue carbon, achieve ACI Level 4 accreditation and use AI to reduce water and power use.
BNE was also the first to commit to NetZero (scope 1 & 2) and represent the airport sector on the JetZero Council.
“Environmentally sustainable growth is what we’re all about and I’m really proud Brisbane Airport continues to lead the way,” he said.
“Our demonstrated commitment to sustainability is evidence of the real care we have for not only the future of aviation but more importantly, for the planet.
“To share the award for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with Melbourne Airport was special because of our collaboration on Australia’s first all-female flight end-to-end. When we work together, magic things happen.
“To be recognised across Engineering, Commercial, Environment, plus Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, is powerful because you need all these elements to build a successful airport.”
AAA Chief Executive James Goodwin said 65 airports and organisations were nominated for this year’s awards.
“The awards acknowledge the amazing work being done at Australian airports and the innovation and leadership of the dedicated people who work in the sector,” Mr Goodwin said.
Read the full list of award winners here.
