Gold Coast Airport (GCA) will be an Official Airport of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018), recognising its position as the gateway to the region hosting the largest multi-sport event to be held in Australia this decade.

GCA has today announced its partnership with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) as an Official Supplier and Official Airport.

To celebrate the announcement, GC2018 mascot, Borobi, was welcomed with an honorary water canon salute on the airport tarmac before officially opening the GC2018’s first merchandise store.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games, Kate Jones, today welcomed Gold Coast Airport into the Games Family.

“It’s so exciting that the Gold Coast Airport will become an official gateway to the Games. It will be a game changer and our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase all that is great about the Gold Coast,” Minister Jones said.

“As a result of the Games, close to $3 billion in projects are in the pipeline – new hotels, resorts and tourist attractions – that will transform the Gold Coast into a truly global city long after the Games.

“All of this world-class infrastructure will achieve a lasting legacy with better transport links and world-class sporting venues for future generations.”

GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC said all Games partners were focused on delivering a great Games experience, and this starts on arrival to the Gold Coast.

“Our partnership with GCA allows us to work closely with the airport so it is in the best position to deal with the inevitable spike in traffic leading up to, during and after the Games,” Mr Beattie said.

“GCA have been a strong supporter of the Games since the bid phase and in addition to becoming a member of the GC2018 Sponsor Family, today we’ve opened the first official GC2018 store in the main terminal.”

“This is the first time a Commonwealth Games store has been located at an airport and will be the first of 30 locations to open ahead of the Games. I couldn’t think of a better location for visitors to the Gold Coast to grab a Borobi soft toy or other merchandise to share the dream with friends and family.”

GCA Chief Executive Officer Chris Mills said the operational impacts of the Games had long been on GCA’s radar, but the partnership with GOLDOC underlined the importance of GC2018 to the airport and the city.

“Customer experience is at the forefront of our operations and in partnering with GOLDOC we can ensure the experience for Games family and spectators is a positive one,” Mr Mills said.

“We will provide that all important first and last impression for thousands of athletes, officials and spectators.

“Our sponsorship of the event is also about celebrating the impact the Games will have on the Gold Coast.

“As a major airport servicing the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales, tourism and events play a critical role in driving visitation to the region, so we are very pleased to support GC2018.”

Gold Coast Airport is owned and operated by Queensland Airports Limited, which also operates Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports.

“The link between GCA and GC2018 is obvious, but with basketball being played in Townsville we look forward to our northern team being part of the Games experience as well,” Mr Mills said.

GOLDOC Chief Executive Mark Peters welcomed GCA to the GC2018 Sponsor Family.

“The Games and Gold Coast experience will begin as soon as our guests, whether they be athletes, officials, media or spectators touch down at Gold Coast Airport,” Mr Peters said.

“We know all GCA staff and our team of GC2018 volunteers at the airport will make a great first impression and set the tone for a fun filled event and Gold Coast stay.”

GCA is the sixth busiest airport in Australia, and as the gateway to Australia’s favourite holiday destinations, boasts a range of domestic and international services.

The airport is currently heralding a new era of growth, progressing with major plans to redevelop the terminal. Civil works are continuing on the airport’s apron expansion and a number of improvements to the existing terminal are to be delivered in time for GC2018.