Airport supports local businesses

Businesses spread wings: James Sparke explains how the region’s businesses can take advantage of export and import opportunities through the Gold Coast Airport.

GOLD Coast Airport has a string of global trading opportunities for local businesses according to One Global Logistics managing director James Sparke.

The door has been cast open for Gold Coast and Northern Rivers manufacturers to import but also export through the airport close at hand.

Mr Sparke said many Gold Coast businesses were still freighting their goods in and out of Brisbane because they were not aware that the Gold Coast is a gateway to access global markets.

“Geographically, Gold Coast and Northern Rivers manufacturers are perfectly positioned to take advantage of the opportunities offered by Gold Coast Airport,” Mr Sparke said.

“Many have toyed with the idea of testing overseas markets but mistakenly think it's beyond the realms of possibility.

“Our company has helped many small businesses plot a course for global expansion, including a number of Northern Rivers' manufacturers that now successfully export health and beauty products via Gold Coast Airport.

“We also have clients that export produce and food products, including the Byron Bay Cookie Company, whose products are available in Europe, the Middle East and Japan.”

Many companies have felt compelled to utilise the airport to reach their markets, trans- porting everything from clothing to swimwear, giftware, surfboards and eyewear.

Queensland Airports Limited managing director Dennis Chant said there was an increase in international services operating out of the airport. “Local exporters can access international markets via a range of direct flights daily from the Gold Coast to Tokyo and Osaka in Japan via Jetstar international, and to Malaysia with AirAsia X,” Mr Chant said.

“There are also more than 20 flights per week to New Zealand. With daily connections to Kuala Lumpur and twice-daily operations to Japan, it opens up great growth potential to many other Asian ports.”