Statement on Sydney aviation capacity report

• Sydney Airport to remain the number one airport for Sydney and Australia

• Our new vision will unlock capacity over a significantly longer period than is forecast in the report

• Looking forward to working with government at all levels on improving road and public transport access to the airport

Sydney Airport welcomed the release of the Joint Study on Aviation Capacity for the Sydney Region today and its recommendation to maximise efficiency and access to Sydney Airport.

"We welcome the report's finding that Sydney Airport will remain the number one airport for the Sydney region and Australia," Sydney Airport chief executive Kerrie Mather said.

"Based on long-term trends in the growth of passengers and aircraft, Sydney Airport's new vision concept could provide capacity over a significantly longer period than is forecast in the report.

"At the same time, aviation is becoming more efficient - we have seen passengers increase more than 40 per cent over the past 12 years with virtually no increase in the number of flights. New generation aircraft like the A380 are significantly quieter than the older aircraft they are replacing, so we can keep delivering passenger growth with improved environmental and noise outcomes.

"Sydney is Australia's premier destination for business and leisure, with 45 airlines already using Sydney Airport to fly to 99 destinations. "Sydney Airport's vision to integrate international, domestic and regional services will deliver a better experience for passengers with simpler, faster transfers and ensure more efficient operations. The vision also gives us an opportunity to improve traffic flow around the airport by balancing out the peaks between the current domestic and international terminals.

"We have long supported improving access to the airport by encouraging greater use of public transport. The report makes some excellent recommendations about improving access to Sydney Airport, including reducing rail fares by removing the existing access fee to the two airport rail stations. If adopted, this will encourage regular airport users to shift from road to rail.

"Sydney Airport also looks forward to working with all levels of government on improving road access to the airport, including upgrades to the M4 and M5 and key surface roads like O'Riordan St, Marsh St, Qantas Drive, Joyce Drive, Airport Drive and General Holmes Drive. "The airport is just 15 minutes away from the city by train or 20 minutes by car - our location just eight kilometres from the CBD is one of Sydney and NSW's greatest advantages, enjoyed by few other cities and valued by business and the tourism sector alike.

"The airport contributes more than $16.5 billion a year to the economy and together with Port Botany forms a vital economic hub for NSW. "Sydney Airport looks forward to working with state and federal government on progressing the findings of today's report.

"We have commenced detailed consultation on our new vision and will continue to work with government, our airline partners and other stakeholders on improving productivity and enhancing efficiency at Sydney Airport.