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Newcastle Airport has appointed a former Toll logistics executive as its new CEO.
Linc Horton, former global head of property for Toll, will take over from interim CEO Andrew Warrender on 5 May. Warrender had stepped into the position last year following the departure of Dr Peter Cock after a decade at the helm.
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Horton previously worked for 12 years as chief of property at Melbourne Airport and is currently the chair of Melbourne business association North Link.
“We are thrilled that Linc will be joining the airport to lead the airport team. He comes to the airport with a long and outstanding experience in airports and a history of achievements in property development and other airport-related negotiations,” said Jude Munro, board chair of Newcastle Airport.
Horton will join the airport as it prepares to open its redeveloped international terminal, which was delayed from the end of 2024 but is expected to open in the second quarter of 2025. The final roof beam was placed on the terminal in October, marking a major milestone.
The airport has said it could see daily international flights when the new terminal is up and running, as well as the potential for non-stop services to Perth.
“I am excited to be joining the airport at this time. It is clear the airport plays a pivotal role in the success of the Hunter region and I look forward to playing my part,” he said.
His appointment this week has been overshadowed by the escalating spat between Newcastle Airport and the Newcastle Herald newspaper regarding reporting of its finances, with articles in the newspaper claiming the airport is struggling with debt.
Newcastle lord mayor Dr Ross Kerridge this week called for an independent inquiry, saying there are “important questions about Newcastle Airport’s financial status and management that deserve proper scrutiny”.
In a statement, the airport told Australian Aviation it would “welcome an independent review of our prudent financial plan if our shareholders want that to happen”.
“Newcastle Airport operates under the regulatory oversight of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), not the Office of Local Government (OLG),” a spokesperson said.
“We maintain full transparency within our governance structure, shareholders and partnership board, with finances independently audited.
“Our shareholders have nominee directors on our Board of Directors, and we already provide full briefings to our councils.
“We note Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has confirmed that with two nominated directors, the City of Newcastle already has adequate oversight over the airport corporation and its operations.”
The airport signed a memorandum of understanding with the NSW government last year which will see it given funding from the state’s Aviation Attraction Fund (AAF) to attract and maintain new routes.
The state government expects Newcastle Airport’s $250 million upgrade to bring in 850,000 additional passengers per year, generating $6.2 billion in the visitor economy as well as $6.5 billion in additional freight over the next 20 years.
