An airport may offer services for private jets, but how do you know if those services are worth it? We look at 10 of the best airports for private jets in Australia and share what they have to offer that puts them above the rest.
Top Airports for Private Jets in Australia
Not all airports in Australia are created equal. Some are little more than a runway with luggage drop-off/collection and a few security checkpoints, while others offer incredible services and excellent facilities. A select few airports stand out from the rest, and perhaps for reasons you wouldn’t expect.
If you’re flying by private jet or private jet charter to or around Australia, here are 10 of Australia's top private jet airports and fixed-base operators (FBOs).
1. Adelaide Airport (ADL)
Adelaide Airport is less than 6 km away from the city centre and really helps Adelaide live up to its nickname as the “20-minute city”. It’s an unsurprising entry on this list as it recently underwent a $200 million expansion project, which didn’t go unnoticed by Skytrax — the UK-based airline and airport review and ranking site. In one of its recent reviews, it announced Adelaide Airport as 2022’s Skytrax Best Regional Airport in Australia and the Pacific.
The FBO at this airport also offers a first-class experience for private travellers with dedicated offices that can assist travellers with all their administrative needs, such as hangarage, fuel, catering and passenger services, as well as a private lounge that offers internet, television and refreshments before you depart or after your arrival.
2. Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)
Despite Sydney being one of the largest cities in Australia, you’ll find Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport just 9 km away from Sydney’s booming city centre. This airport services both commercial and private travellers, with world-class FBOs offering services to business and private flyers.
Passengers using one of the two FBOs at this airport can enjoy a number of luxurious perks, including access to the FBOs’ private apron (a section of the airport tarmac reserved for private aircraft), passenger handling (including customs and immigration services), a VIP lounge with internet access, beverages and other refreshments, private conference facilities, lavish seating and easy access to the private aircraft.
Of course, any services that are necessary for your private aircraft are available at this FBO as well, including hangarage, fuelling and aircraft maintenance, catering, and cleaning services, ensuring your aircraft is ready for your next journey.
3. Bankstown Airport (BWU), Sydney
Bankstown Airport is roughly 26 km away from Sydney’s business district and may surprise first-time visitors who aren’t expecting much from this small airport. This private jet airport doesn’t boast all the bells and whistles of some of the bigger airports in Australia, but the terminal has recently been refurbished and offers a pleasant experience. This airport is open to certain classes of private jets, making it an ideal location for those who wish to avoid the busy larger airports in the region.
If you’re passionate about flying and aeronautics, this airport is one of the best airports in the country to visit. If you want to become a pilot, the aviation training schools and flying clubs located at the airport can help you achieve your dreams of taking to the sky in your own aircraft. Or, if you love flying but don’t plan to take to the skies on your own, you can also enjoy skydiving, helicopter tours and aerial acrobatic shows.
4. Camden Airport (CDU), Sydney
Camden Airport is situated on the outskirts of Sydney, approximately 69 km from the city’s business district, and is a privately owned airport that provides facilities for recreational and general aviation operators.
It’s similar to Bankstown Airport in that it’s one of the go-to airports for individuals who love flying. There are extensive training facilities and other aviation services on offer, including gliding and ballooning. The airport is also currently undergoing upgrades to offer even better facilities for aviation businesses, new operators who are looking for airport services, and private jet passengers. The airport is more suited to accommodate turboprop aircraft and light jets.
As you’d expect, this private airport caters for professional charter services and, while it may not offer all the luxury of other private jet airports, if you’re looking for a regional airport that’s closer to your destination, you should consider Camden Airport for private jets.
5. Melbourne International Airport (MEL)
Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, is a major international airport located approximately 23 km from Melbourne city centre. The FBO at the airport is one of Australia’s most modern private jet terminals and is a one-stop shop for anyone travelling to Melbourne who owns or operates a private jet. The FBO offers two categories of services that cater to the high-flying elite: traveller services and aircraft support.
When travellers arrive at the private terminal, they can take advantage of many of the premium services, including on-site customs services, concierges who can advise or assist you with bookings, helicopter transfers to the city or other destinations in the Victoria region, and a spa where you can spoil yourself, relax and recover from your journey.
Aircraft support means that your private jet gets the luxury treatment as well, with plenty of hangarage, a 57,500m2 apron for parking your aircraft, maintenance and refuelling services, and catering to ensure you and your team are well-fed during your flight.
6. Essendon Fields Airport (MEB), Melbourne
Just 16 km from Melbourne’s CBD, Essendon Fields is an important player in the local aviation scene and has an excellent FBO that services the needs of private travellers. Essendon Fields Airport once operated as Melbourne’s international airport but shifted to a regional airport after the opening of the airport at Tullamarine.
The FBO offers many of the necessary administrative services necessary for private jets, such as fuel, hangarage, aircraft maintenance, flight planning and necessary permits, while also catering for the needs of travellers with a VIP lounge that offers internet, refreshments, luxurious seating so you can relax away from the hustle and bustle of the main terminals, conference facilities and direct access to aircraft from the lounge.
7. Canberra Airport (CBR)
If you’re travelling by private jet to Canberra, you’ll be able to enjoy the premium services offered by the FBO at Canberra Airport, which is just 6 km away from the capital. It’s able to provide services to a wide range of aircraft, from Gulfstream 650s to Boeing Business Jets, including fuelling, hangarage, baggage handling, engineering support and maintenance, and catering. Passengers can expect a wide range of luxury services as well, such as concierge services, tarmac access, access to a VIP passenger lounge and conference rooms, direct access for international arrivals and departures (with prior approval), and facilities for passengers requiring special assistance.
8. Cairns Airport (CNS)
A mere 5.6 km from Cairns, Cairns Airport is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rainforests of North Queensland. It has not one, but two FBOs that operate from this airport. You can expect many of the standard services you’d find at an FBO, including aircraft refuelling, ground handling, transport services and VIP lounge facilities. Despite the relatively small size of this airport, with two FBOs available, you can rest assured that all of your core private jet travel needs will be met.
9. Perth Airport (PER)
Just 16 km away from the centre of Perth, Perth Airport services the international, domestic and general aviation markets in Western Australia. This airport also has three FBOs to cater for the needs of private jet users and private aircraft.
Whether you’re landing at or taking off from these FBOs, there are a variety of excellent experiences on offer, including VIP lounges kitted out with Wi-Fi, TVs, magazines and newspapers, as well as private rooms, conference spaces, boardrooms, and sleep and rest areas. You can also enjoy a hot shower after a long flight so that you’re ready for the next phase of your journey.
To ensure your onward travels are hassle-free, the airport provides many necessary services for your private jet, including aircraft fuel, maintenance, catering, ramp and cleaning services, as well as the amenities necessary to ensure your crew is well-rested, such as a pilot’s lounge.
10. Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
Gold Coast Airport is located in the south of the Gold Coast region, approximately 100 km away from Brisbane’s bustling business district. If you want to travel directly to this coastal region to enjoy its beautiful beaches and other fun holiday activities, you can do so by flying to Gold Coast Airport and taking advantage of the services offered by the airport’s FBO.
Private travellers can enjoy airside vehicle access, car hire or limousine transfers, assistance with booking hotels, a VIP lounge with internet access, and many other benefits. A full range of aircraft services is available as well, including fuel, hangar, catering, a pilot’s lounge and 24-hour ground support.
Arrange a private jet charter in Australia with Air Charter Service
If you’d like to hire a private jet to travel around Australia or to visit another country, our charter experts can assist. We have been operating for over 30 years and have developed a global network of more than 30 offices. We are available 24/7 and will organise your entire charter from start to finish, ensuring it is tailored to your unique requirements.
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