Property Council Hunter and Central Coast Regional Director Amy De Lore attended the event alongside VIPs and regional stakeholders, marking a key moment in the transformation of Newcastle Airport into a major regional gateway.
"Today's topping out ceremony marks a significant milestone in Newcastle Airport's transformation into a major regional gateway with international capability," Ms De Lore said.
"The completion of the Code E runway and the opening of the expanded terminal will turbo-charge tourism in the Hunter, create thousands of jobs, and unlock huge potential for new investment in the visitor economy and freight and logistics industries," she said.
Ms De Lore said the Newcastle Airport upgrade, including the state-of-the-art terminal expansion and the Code E runway, has been a long-standing regional priority.
"This game-changing upgrade is the result of persistent and persuasive advocacy by Newcastle Airport, strongly supported by key regional stakeholders including the Property Council.
"The economic uplift will benefit the entire region and, like every other traveller in the Hunter, I can't wait until we can board an international flight from our home airport."
Ms De Lore said the economic ripple effect will be felt across various sectors, from hospitality to transport, as Newcastle and the wider Hunter region stand to benefit from increased visitation and business activity.
"The Newcastle Airport development positions the Hunter as a key player in both domestic and international markets.
"This project is not just about infrastructure; it's about future-proofing our region, making it more attractive to international tourists, businesses, and investors alike."