It was a few months ago that I was bicycling by the airport hoping
that Airborne could purchase it. It would be a great place for testing out
trikes and a great site for a tandem hang gliding operation.

Rob Hibberd <<RobH>>
sends:

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2253335/consortium-buys-belmont-airport-for-skydiving-adventure-flights/?cs=303

A CONSORTIUM has bought Belmont Airport, with plans for charter operations,
skydiving and adventure flights from the site.

The plan would be different to the former Aeropelican operation, airport
co-owner Matt Hall said. "It’d be more of a charter operation," Mr Hall, a
prominent race pilot, said. "We aim to get a commuter system going, where
people can fly to a pre-planned destination of their choosing anywhere on the
eastern seaboard."

As well as Matt Hall Racing, the new owners are Airborne, Newcastle Helicopters,
Skydive the Beach and a private investor.

www.belmontairport.com.au

A brief history

Belmont Airport also fondly known as Aeropelican was once a busy commuter
airport. It operated high frequency flights direct into Sydney International
airport using de Haviland DH-6 Twin Otters. The airline (Aeropelican) was owned
by Ansett Airlines which collapsed and went into administration around 2001.
Aeropelican itself was a profitable arm of Ansett and was eventually sold off
with the Airport in 2002. The airline moved to Williamtown (Newcastle Airport)
and continued to operate until it was merged with Brindabella Airlines. Belmont
Airport was sold off again in 2008 and has laid almost dorment since, with only
the occasional GA type aircraft hangered there. Over the years there have been
various attempts to develop the site for housing etc. Fortunately Lake Macquarie
Council wished to maintain the site for aviation use. This is reflected in the
zoning restrictions for the site and in the end worked in our favour.