Latest news from ADG

Alice Springs Airport has been recognised as a finalist in the prestigious Routes Asia 2025 Marketing Awards, competing in the Under 5 million Passengers category. This achievement highlights the airport’s ongoing commitment to regional connectivity, tourism growth, and sustainable aviation development in the heart of Australia.

Airport Development Group (ADG), in collaboration with the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations (DTBAR), proudly represented the Northern Territory at the Routes Asia 2025 conference in Perth. As the only route development event dedicated to the Asia-Pacific region, Routes Asia 2025 brought together decision-makers from airlines, airports, tourism authorities, and aviation stakeholders to shape the future of air connectivity across the region. With over 900 aviation professionals in attendance and more than 3,000 meetings scheduled, the event provided a vital platform to enhance the Northern Territory’s visibility and promote new air service opportunities.

Airport Development Group (ADG) proudly welcomes Indonesia AirAsia’s official touch down in Darwin today, marking an exciting new chapter in connectivity between the Northern Territory and Asia. The new service bolsters affordable and convenient travel options for Territorians embarking on journeys to Indonesia and beyond. Likewise, Southeast Asian travellers wanting to experience the Northern Territory’s unique culture, landscapes, and world-class tourism experiences now have a wider gateway to the Top End.

AirAsia Malaysia is set to expand its Australian network with the launch of a new direct service from Kuala Lumpur to Darwin, commencing 27 June 2025. This milestone not only strengthens the airline’s commitment to international connectivity but also marks the return of a low-cost carrier linking the Northern Territory to top holiday destinations across Asia.

Airport Development Group (ADG) and Darwin Airport Resorts came together today to celebrate International Women’s Day, hosting a special event that highlighted the strength, leadership, and achievements of women across both businesses. The event brought together colleagues and industry leaders for an inspiring conversation featuring Alicia Langton, Financial Planner with Hostplus, Sandra de Kock, Executive General Manager of People, Culture and Community at ADG, and Nadee Wicks, Director of Sales, and Marketing at Darwin Airport Resorts. Each speaker shared their unique journey, offering insights into leadership, resilience, and the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Two trainees from the Airport Development Group’s (ADG) Indigenous Training Academy, Tia Graham and Taylah Besic, took centre stage last week as panellists at the Aboriginal Tourism Forum, part of the NT Tourism event. The forum provided an opportunity for emerging Indigenous tourism professionals to share their experiences and inspire others to explore career pathways in the industry.

Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to support Darwin Men’s Shed (DMS) through our Community Grants Program, providing a $2,000 grant to enhance their workshop and community programs. This funding has enabled the group to purchase a new dust extractor for their shed and support their We Fix It program, which assists locals with repairs or assembly of items.

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.