Andrew Brodie has been thanked for piloting Sunshine Coast Airport through a “challenging and successful” four-and-a-half years, after stepping down from the CEO’s role.
SCA announced Mr Brodie’s resignation in a press release on Monday, saying he had overseen a raft of changes at one of the country’s fastest-growing airports.
Under his stewardship, the airport launched a new runway in 2020, which has seen the number of direct services to the airport increase from four destinations to 17.
The expansion was a result of Sunshine Coast Airport working with existing airline partners and attracting Australia’s newest airline, Bonza, to base its headquarters there. Bonza recently completed the rollout of its 13th direct service to Sunshine Coast Airport.
In April, Sunshine Coast Airport attracted a record 162,000 passenger movements, and seasonal direct international services from Auckland Airport start next month.
Mr Brodie was responsible for starting 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. Sunshine Coast Airport was the first Australian airport to achieve and retain level three-plus neutrality certification status under the Airports Council International Airport Carbon Accreditation program.
Under his leadership, the management team played a key role in the successful bid for the long-term lease of Coffs Harbour Airport.
Sunshine Coast Airport chairman Dennis Chant said Mr Brodie’s contribution to establishing the airport reflected his commitment and professionalism during his tenure as CEO.
“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,” he 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 more than 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,” he said.
“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 one 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 airports’ growth.”
Mr Chant said SCA would start a high-level international recruitment drive shortly to attract an exceptionally credentialed replacement for the CEO position.
