Time Capsule to Mark Brisbane's Historical Runway Launch

June 22, 2020

To commemorate the opening of Brisbane’s new runway on 12 July 2020, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) is creating a time capsule so future Queenslanders can look back at the significance of this historic moment for our city, state and nation.

15 years in the making, Brisbane Airport’s new runway is weeks away from its official opening. The new runway is a key milestone in propelling the city to new heights as an aviation hub and to facilitate recovery for both the city and state from the global pandemic. The incredible feat to double current capacity was achieved through a successful partnership between Brisbane Airport Corporation and Skyway (a joint venture between BMD Constructions Pty Ltd and CPB Contractors Pty Ltd).

With the cancelation of community events planned for the opening of the new runway due to COVID-19, BAC is inviting community members and iconic Queenslanders to suggest and contribute symbolic items for inclusion, creating a snapshot of 2020 for the unveiling in 50 years’ time – the same length of time the runway has been in the plans to be built.

The time capsule, to be opened in 2070, will be sealed during the official ‘ribbon cutting’ opening ceremony for Brisbane’s new runway on Sunday 12 July 2020.

Instead of storing underground, the sealed capsule will be housed in the Kingsford Smith Memorial at Brisbane Airport. The memorial is dedicated to the early Australian Aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith best known for making the 1928 first trans-Pacific flight from the United States to Australia. Visitors can find the historical ‘Southern Cross’ aircraft flown by Sir Charles on display together alongside the time capsule.

BAC CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said, “We were very much looking forward to sharing the significant milestone of the opening of the runway with our community who has been with us every step of the way during planning and construction, but that sadly is no longer possible due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“The time capsule is a small but significant way for community members to participate in the celebrations for the opening, while providing future generations with a glimpse of life in the year 2020, when it is opened in 50 years’ time.

“It is only fitting the time capsule be housed inside the Kingsford Smith Memorial. Just as Sir Charles Kingsford Smith crossing the Pacific Ocean in 1928 signalled a new era in aviation history, the opening of Brisbane’s new runway is a significant moment for our city, region and state.

“Particularly during these challenging times, the opening of this runway is a vote of confidence in Queensland’s future and our confidence in that future is just as strong as ever.

“It is a long-term piece of infrastructure and we hope that its opening will be a comforting reminder to everyone that things will get better and the future will be bright,” Mr de Graaff said.

For more photos, click here. 

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