Adelaide Airport – still waiting
South Australia’s $260Million gateway remains in limbo today, three months after the official gala opening ceremony. Airport management had expected domestic flights to start this week, after a contamination problem in the fuel supply system that caused the delay was fixed.
Exxon Mobil Spokesman Alan Bailey says commissioning the system is taking a lot longer than expected.
“There is still, unfortunately, water coming out of the system, although the amount seems to be declining so we’re hoping we’re getting close to the end of that process,” he said.
“But it’s still some time before we’re going to be able to say the system is completely water free.”
While all this continues, the Airport’s embattled managing director Phil Baker is on two weeks’ holiday.
According to John McArdle, corporate affairs manager for Adelaide Airport Limited, Mr Baker is “somewhere in central Victoria”, adding: “He’s just trying to have a bit of a break. He’s not back to work until the 23rd (of January).”
Understandably, SA Tourism operators are statring to ask questions.
“We are starting to look like idiots both here and around the world,” SA Tourism Commission chairman Phil Hoffman said this week.
“This whole fiasco has gone on for too long.”
Zane Boon, hotel operator and chairman of the SA Tourism Alliance, said the industry was “completely in the dark”.
“I was told it was meant to open two days ago and then I heard reports it was delayed again,” he said. “No one from the airport management has spoken to me about what’s happening.”
Let’s hope somebody sorts it out soon, with SA about to experience the busiest Feb / March for years with thousands expected to arrive for events such as the Tour Down Under cycling race, the Adelaide Festival and Fringe and Clipsal 500 car race.
The Mole
Graham Muldoon
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