The purpose of this project is to make jet fuel safer for the Western Australian aviation sector by offering a more secure way to supply jet fuel and by providing more capacity to meet the expected growth in travel demand in Western Australia. It also supports the largest airport project currently being built in Australia, which will ensure a continued increase in the future of the aviation industry in Western Australia.
To implement these objectives, Perth Airport has selected Duratec Limited and West Coast Civil Pty Ltd (the “DWJV”) as the principal contractors to provide early contractor involvement services for the jet fuel expansion program. For the next six months, the DWJV will develop concept plans for the next phase of aviation fuel infrastructure at Perth Airport in preparation for future construction.
Perth Airport acquired its jet fuel storage and distribution network (the on-airport storage) in August of 2023. The network contains three fuel storage tanks, about six kilometres of underground fuel pipelines, and 125 aircraft hydrants. Owning and expanding this network allows Perth Airport to have more control over one of the important systems in aviation, which helps the airport to meet demand for growth for many decades.
Fuel infrastructure rarely attracts media attention, but the fuel structure(s) of any successful airport is a key component to that success. When fuel storage and distribution do not function efficiently, the rate at which aircraft are turned around becomes extended, airline operations become less efficient and the long-term expansion of an airport becomes much more difficult. As the world continues to recover from COVID and the demand for air travel increases, resilient fuel networks are as vital as runways and terminals at any airport.
Steve Moreland, Chief Planning and Projects Officer for Perth Airport, indicated the importance of the Jet Fuel Expansion Program as a key component of developing an airport’s capacity to accommodate ongoing growth within the Western Australian aviation industry. He further stated that reliable fuel infrastructure will be critical for further expansion in the long-term vision of moving all commercial aircraft operations to a centrally located, modern, commercial precinct.
The appointment also showcases the increasing role of Australian engineering and construction talent. DWJV possesses multidisciplinary capabilities with respect to project management, engineering design and construction planning and incorporates buildability into its process from the earliest stages of the project.
According to Chris Oates, managing director at Duratec, this project represents more than just another infrastructure contract, as the fourth largest airport in Australia expands rapidly, the Fuel Infrastructure Programme will be essential for supporting Western Australia’s economy by increasing flights and enhancing long-term operational capacity.
The Jet Fuel Expansion Program is part of Perth Airport’s overall multi-billion dollar “One Airport” strategy, which is a large-scale redevelopment aimed at moving all commercial airline activity into the Airport Central precinct. The overall plan includes a new runway by 2028; new terminal facilities and upgraded taxiways; modernised roadways; multi-storey parking buildings; a new hotel on the property; and a new, state-of-the-art domestic terminal expected to be completed around 2031. Collectively, these investments will help provide a more efficient experience for passengers while increasing capacity at the airport.
As air travel continues to grow, airports throughout the world are investing not only in visible passenger terminals but also in vital infrastructure that allows planes to move safely and efficiently. Perth Airport reached another critical milestone recently in its evolution; the Jet Fuel Expansion Program is representative of how airports continue to evolve through an extensive network of superior engineering, logistics, and planning to facilitate the movement of all types of air transportation – as we have done since opening over 60 years ago – but will now expand on this model for future growth to prepare for the increased volume of air travel worldwide for many years into the future.
As a result of commencing the design phase of the expansion program, Perth Airport will continue its overall transformation – without question positioning itself as the gateway to Western Australia and continuing its tradition of being prepared for the needs of the growing global aviation industry for decades to come.
