A consortium comprising QIC and Royal Schiphol Group has signed an agreement to acquire 70% of Hobart International Airport (Hobart Airport), one of Australia’s fastest-growing airports, representing 50.1% from Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA) managed fund Global Infrastructure Fund III and 19.9% from Tasplan Super

Tasplan Super and MIRA, on behalf of its investors, acquired stakes in the airport in 2007 and since that time more than AUD150 million(US$100 million) has been invested in the airport to better connect Tasmania’s economy with mainland Australia and the world. This sustained investment has seen total passenger numbers increase by more than 50%, from 1.7 million in 2008 to over 2.7 million in 2019, making Hobart one of the fastest-growing Australian airports.  

Following a major terminal refurbishment in recent years and construction of a 6,000m² freight storage facility, supporting Tasmania’s rapidly growing fresh produce market, work is currently underway on the airport’s forecourt to facilitate further expansion. The airport’s route network has also grown, further strengthening Tasmania’s tourism industry, with domestic destinations up from 3 to 6 – adding Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth routes and future international connectivity facilitated by the completion of a 500-meter runway extension.

The airport now contributes more than AUD150 million (US$100 in added economic value to Tasmania each year and is a large employer in the region, with over 600 full-time jobs generated by the airport and its tenants. The airport has also established a community-focused platform to support social, education and environmental initiatives, including a number of local not for profit and conservation groups, committing over 500 hours and working with 26 organizations.

The sale is expected to reach completion by the end of October.