The Pilbara is a vast, arid region of Western Australia that relies on air transport for connections to the rest of the country and the world. Chris Frame takes a tour of Port Hedland International with the airport’s new CEO, who has just launched a major refurbishment of the facilities.
Gateway to Pilbara
As Qantas flight QF1128 wings its way towards Port Hedland, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Mitchell Cameron points to a runway and small terminal, set among the red dirt and small bushes, shrubs and trees: “There it is, to the south of the town.” The Boeing 737-838 is nearing the end of a 1,103-mile (1,630km) flight from Perth, which it completed in just over a couple of hours. The airport is an important travel hub for the town and the borough of Port Hedland, which incorporates the largest bulk export port in the world capable of accommodating 19 vessels at a time. Maritime and mining activities support other local commerce, which keeps airport traffic steady despite the widespread economic downturn of recent years. And despite the town’s modest size Port Hedland International (PHE) is truly an international airport, as it boasts the Pilbara’s only direct overseas flight, Virgin Aust…
