Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) chief executive officer Andrew Brodie has announced his resignation from his position.
Since taking up the role in early 2019, Mr Brodie has contributed significantly to establishing SCA as one of the fastest-growing and most respected regional airports in Australia.
Under his leadership, the SCA management team played a key role in the successful bid for the long-term lease of Coffs Harbour Airport and now provides essential management support to the airport company.
Under his stewardship, the Airport launched a new “game-changing” runway in 2020, which has seen the number of direct services to Sunshine Coast Airport increase from four destinations in 2019, to 17 in 2023.
The significant expansion was a result of Sunshine Coast Airport working with existing airline partners and attracting Australia’s newest airline to base its headquarters at SCA, who recently completed the rollout of their 13th direct service to Sunshine Coast Airport.
In April 2023, Sunshine Coast Airport attracted a record 162,000 passenger movements. Seasonal direct international services from Auckland Airport commence in June.
Mr Brodie was responsible for commencing the implementation of the Sunshine Coast Airport Master Plan 2040 and working with local and state Government to progress the town planning instrument, which is expected to deliver significant economic benefits for the region. He was also instrumental in enhancing the Airport’s sustainability reputation, with Sunshine Coast Airport being the first Australian airport to achieve and retain Level 3+ Neutrality certification status under the Airports Council International Airport Carbon Accreditation program.
Sunshine Coast Airport chairman Mr Dennis Chant said Mr Brodie’s contribution to establishing the airport as one of Australia’s best-performing regional airports reflected his commitment and professionalism over the last four and a half years.
“The past four and a half years have been both challenging and successful for Sunshine Coast Airport, and Andrew was charged with firstly navigating the airport through the pandemic and lockdowns, and then charting a recovery phase built around expanding direct routes and attracting new operators,” Mr Chant said.
“Andrew played a critical role in attracting Bonza to establish its base at Sunshine Coast Airport, adding 13 direct routes and substantial new markets for the Sunshine Coast.
“The implementation of the Sunshine Coast Airport Master Plan 2040 began under Andrew’s leadership, and its continued roll-out of the project will be a major priority for the future, including the upgrading of the terminal, and the development of commercial opportunities in precincts within the airport.
“We thank Andrew for his contribution to the operation and development of the airport over the past four and a half years and wish him all the best for his future.“
Mr Brodie, who has over 30 years’ experience in senior aviation and infrastructure roles said he was proud to have been able to contribute significantly to the airport’s position as one of Australia’s leading regional airports.
“Sunshine Coast and Coffs Harbour Airports are major economic drivers of their respective regions, and I’m proud to play a small part in creating jobs, connecting family and friends and bringing high value tourism directly for the first time into the regions.
“The new international grade runway together with realising the 2040 Master Plan will ensure that Sunshine Coast Airport will continue to grow and enhance the social and economic needs of the 1 million people that are part of the Sunshine Coast (and surrounding) community.
“It has been a great honour and pleasure to have led two significant regional airports, transitioning both airports from council management to a private operator model and working alongside major stakeholders to take advantage of the exciting opportunities, including the Sunshine Coast’s role in hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Both airports have highly professional teams, an exciting vision and a strong foundation and that’s why now is the right time to hand over leadership responsibilities to a new CEO, who will lead the next phase of the airport’s growth,” Mr Brodie said.
Mr Chant said Sunshine Coast Airport would start a high-level international recruitment drive shortly to attract an exceptionally credentialed replacement for the CEO position.
