Latest news from ADG

Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce the 2025 cohort of trainees participating in the Indigenous Training Academy (ITA) program. Seven participants from the Northern Territory will embark on a transformative journey through the ITA, with traineeships in hospitality, and business.

Airport Development Group is thrilled to support Jetstar’s new Darwin to Gold Coast route which has been made possible with the support of the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS). Jetstar will operate four direct flights per week on its Airbus A320 aircraft, with the inaugural flight being 26 June 2025.

Central Australia is set to enjoy improved air access with Airnorth announcing a new direct service between Alice Springs and Cairns, providing a significant boost for businesses, residents, and tourism operators. Hundreds of thousands of international travellers visit Cairns each year. This new strategic link means travellers from key international markets can experience the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and Australia’s Red Centre all within a single seamless and efficient travel itinerary.

Direct services between Darwin and Bali will commence 22 March 2025 with three direct flights per week, offering a world of great value travel across Asia and beyond. Indonesia AirAsia is set to reconnect the Northern Territory with Asia, resuming three direct flights per week between Darwin and Bali from 22 March 2025. Tickets are on sale now, with fares starting from just AUD $189.

In partnership with local film studio Global Headquarters, ADG is proud to share our short documentary commemorating the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy. More Than Just Being There shares personal stories from residents and highlights Darwin International Airport’s critical role in supporting the city’s recovery and reconnecting families. This anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of Darwin’s resilience and the enduring strength of its people.

Airport Development Group is proud to announce its recognition as the Overall Winner in the Excellence in Business (Medium and Large Business) category at the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce’s NT Business Excellence Awards. This prestigious accolade highlights Airport Development Group’s commitment to driving economic growth, delivering world-class services, fostering community engagement, and supporting Indigenous participation in the Northern Territory.

Airport Development Group (ADG) proudly supported the Stick Mob Portals Exhibition at this year’s Desert Festival, contributing $2,000 through its Community Grants Program. This initiative showcased the creative brilliance of young Indigenous artists and enriched the Northern Territory’s cultural landscape.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce that our workplace giving program raised an impressive $12,000 in 2024 to support Dolly’s Dream. This initiative honours the memory, of Dolly Everett, a young girl from Katherine in the Northern Territory; dedicated to creating a kinder, safer world by addressing bullying and providing resources to young people, families, and schools—particularly in rural and remote communities like those in the Northern Territory.

The recent Australian Airports Association (AAA) Women in Airports Forum, held as part of the 2024 AAA National Conference held in Brisbane, was a highlight of the week. With over 300 attendees, the event covered a wide range of topics, sparking insightful conversations and fostering meaningful connections within the aviation industry.

Last week, it was a pleasure to attend Charles Darwin University's Donor Thank You Reception, held in the beautiful Danala, Education and Community Precinct, the showcase of CDU in the city. The event hosted by Professor Scott Bowman AO, Vice-Chancellor, and President of CDU, and joined by the Hon. Robyn Cahill in her capacity as Minister for International Education, celebrating the incredible contributions of CDU’s donors.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce the launch of our Indigenous Engagement Report 2023-24, showcasing our ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with First Nations communities across the Northern Territory. At this week’s ADG Indigenous Advisory Committee meeting, Chair Eddie Fry celebrated the achievements highlighted in the report and welcomed new members Nicole Brown (Larrakia) and Michael Liddle (Alyawarre) to the Committee.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is thrilled to celebrate the achievements of Steven Ferreira, a proud graduate of our Indigenous Training Academy (ITA). Steven recently represented Australia at the prestigious International Friendly Skills Competition: Food and Beverage Service, held in Timor-Leste. As the sole Australian participant, Steven demonstrated the exceptional skills he honed through his Certificate III in Hospitality, earned at the ITA.

Airport Development Group (ADG) has been awarded the Infrastructure Award at the 2024 National Airports Association Awards for the transformative Terminal Precinct and Hotel Development at Darwin International Airport.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is thrilled to celebrate another fantastic year as major sponsor of Darwin Festival, the Northern Territory’s premier arts and cultural event. As a proud partner since 2011, ADG was delighted to support a festival that brings the best of local and international talent together over 20 vibrant nights, attracting over 177,000 visitors – a record-breaking turnout!

Airport Development Group Showcases Indigenous Engagement and Accessibility Initiatives at Aerospace Aviation Symposium

After a year of dedicated work, Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to announce the completion of the Eastern Chillers Project, featuring the installation of two energy-efficient 2400KW water-cooled chillers. This project represents a major advancement in the company’s commitment to Net Zero by 2030.

Airport Development Group has welcomed the recent announcement by Qantas connecting the Northern Territory to Asia. From March 2025, QantasLink's latest Airbus A220 aircraft will commence flying between Darwin and Singapore, offering Territorians greater access to both international and domestic travel. This next-generation aircraft will provide over 70,000 seats annually on the route and opens new possibilities for connecting the Top End to Asia and beyond.

At Airport Development Group (ADG), we are proud to join the National Safety Month campaign, reinforcing the importance of creating safe and healthy workplaces across Australia. As part of our commitment to safety, ADG staff participated in a FOD (Foreign Object Debris) Walk across the Apron and Air Operations Area, ensuring the elimination of small debris, loose objects, and any hazards that can impact our aviation environment.

This October, Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to support the National Safety Month campaign, coordinated by Safe Work Australia under the theme “Safety is Everyone’s Business.”At ADG, we are committed to fostering safe and healthy workplaces for all Australians. As Sandra De Kock, Executive General Manager - People, Culture & Community, highlights: "Our commitment to safety extends beyond compliance—it's about creating a culture where every individual feels responsible and empowered to contribute to a safe environment."

Airport Development Group is thrilled to have Darwin International Airport represented at this prestigious global event. Together with our partners at Tourism NT, we’re engaging with over a dozen airlines to explore new air service opportunities and routes that will boost connectivity for the Northern Territory.

Airport Development Group was thrilled to participate in CareFlight's recent Open Day at their Darwin hangar. This partnership not only fosters cross-organisational peer learning but also included sharing the experience with the Indigenous Youth Mobility Pathway (IYMP), who are also providing critical opportunities for young Indigenous trainees to work alongside CareFlight and gain hands-on experience in aviation and rescue operations.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is excited to unveil stunning new welcome banners at Alice Springs Airport, celebrating the Arrernte people and showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of Central Australia. Featuring three iconic Arrernte totems—the dingo, eagle, and wallaby—these banners offer a warm and culturally rich greeting to all visitors.

We're thrilled to announce that Airport Development Group (ADG) received the Excellence in Business award for Medium and Large Businesses at the Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory 2024 Business Excellence Awards for Darwin, West Arnhem, and the Top End Region! The recognition, presented to ADG by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro is a great honour.

ADG is committed to supporting the NT engineering sector and ensuring graduate engineers gain the experience they need to build their careers right here at home. We recognise the importance of providing young Territorians with exposure to a diverse, challenging, and rewarding business. For the past two years, ADG has collaborated with Charles Darwin University (CDU) to establish an internship program for engineering and project management students.

It was a pleasure for Airport Development Group (ADG) to present at the Tourism Top End Member General Meeting. Rob Porter, our Executive General Manager, Airports, provided an insightful overview to the 110 attendees on key business operations, including the aviation outlook, Indigenous engagement, and hospitality and tourism, highlighting ADG's ongoing work in supporting the tourism industry.

It was a pleasure to meet with the team from Defence’s Capital Facilities & Infrastructure Branch. Our recent discussion provided a great opportunity to learn about their new leadership team and explore future collaboration and cooperation. Airport Development Group looks forward to continuing our shared commitment to strengthening infrastructure development and building strategic partnerships that benefit both Defence and the Northern Territory.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to support Riding for the Disabled Assoc. Australia Ltd Top End (RDA) with 30 new helmets and 6 pairs of boots through our Community Grants Program. These essential items ensure safety for participants as they learn life skills and achieve personal growth through equestrian activities.

Airport Development Group had the pleasure of hosting the Palmerston Regional Business Association event at Splash Bar, Darwin Airport Resort. Sandra De Kock, Executive General Manager People, Culture and Community for Airport Development Group was a speaker at the event. Sandra spoke about the exciting developments at the Darwin Airport Resort, our ongoing efforts to enhance the front-of-house experience at the airport, and ADG’s advocacy on behalf of the community to address airfare and connectivity concerns. It’s fantastic to see collaboration driving positive outcomes for tourism and business in the Territory.

At Airport Development Group, we are proud to recognise the achievements of our Indigenous trainees who have successfully completed their studies. Through our Indigenous Training Academy, we’ve supported and strengthened the connection of young Indigenous Territorians for three years, and today we celebrate their success.