Australia’s Sunshine Coast Airport Taps Tony Edmondstone as the New CEO to Lead Major 2027 Expansion

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September 4, 2026 06:41 GMT+5:30

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Sunshine Coast Airport is entering a significant leadership transition as Tony Edmondstone is appointed as its next chief executive officer, with his tenure set to begin in 2027. The appointment comes while a major terminal redevelopment and broader Airport expansion programme are being advanced at the airport itself. With extensive aviation, infrastructure and commercial experience, Edmondstone has been selected to guide projects central to Australia aviation infrastructure and the airport’s future growth. His arrival will follow the departure of outgoing chief executive Chris Mills in November 2026, ensuring leadership continuity during a period of investment, organisational development and expansion activity.

Tony Edmondstone Chosen to Lead 2027 Growth Phase

Tony Edmondstone has been chosen to lead Sunshine Coast Airport following what was described as a comprehensive national recruitment process. His appointment has been framed around experience in complex organisations, major infrastructure delivery and strategic commercial growth. Airport chair David Ryan said Edmondstone had built a strong executive record across these areas, qualities that were considered relevant as the airport’s investment programme continues.

The leadership change is being made while Australia aviation infrastructure is receiving further attention at the regional gateway through current development work. Edmondstone’s background combines aviation management with infrastructure, property and commercial operations, giving the appointment a direct connection to the projects already under way. Rather than representing a change in the airport’s stated development direction, the appointment has been presented alongside ongoing plans. Tony Edmondstone is expected to take up the chief executive position in 2027, after the current leadership period has concluded at the airport.

Aviation and Infrastructure Experience Brought From Airport Development Group

A substantial aviation portfolio has already been managed by Edmondstone. For seven years, Airport Development Group was led by him as chief executive, with responsibility extending across Darwin International Airport, Alice Springs Airport and Tennant Creek Airport. Hotel, electricity and property assets were also included within that portfolio, broadening his experience beyond airport operations alone. Before that role, senior positions were held at Orica, where businesses across Europe, Africa and Asia were led and the company’s global transformation was overseen.

Experience was also gained at Alcoa, Amcor and News Limited. This combination of aviation, industrial and corporate leadership has been brought into the Sunshine Coast Airport appointment. That experience is relevant to Australia aviation infrastructure at Sunshine Coast Airport, where aviation development is progressing alongside the Gateway Precinct property project. Tony Edmondstone has therefore been selected with experience spanning airport management and asset portfolios across multiple sectors during his career.

$170 Million Terminal Redevelopment Drives Current Airport Expansion

The leadership transition is taking place as a $170 million terminal redevelopment is being progressed at Sunshine Coast Airport. The Gateway Precinct property development is also moving forward, placing major infrastructure and property activity at the centre of the airport’s current programme. These projects form an important part of the wider Airport expansion now under way. For travel agents and corporate travel buyers, the transition has been presented as supporting continuity while capacity and infrastructure works continue.

The terminal redevelopment is particularly significant because it is one of the major projects that will be overseen during the next leadership phase. Edmondstone’s previous experience in aviation and large-scale development has been identified as relevant to that responsibility. Within the broader Australia aviation infrastructure landscape, the Sunshine Coast programme is being advanced through investment in both terminal facilities and surrounding property, rather than through a single development project alone at this gateway.

Leadership Transition Set Before November Departure

Outgoing chief executive Chris Mills is scheduled to leave in November 2026 after leading what has been described as a period of substantial growth at the airport. The timing means the new appointment has been announced before Tony Edmondstone begins in 2027, providing a defined leadership succession around the ongoing programme. Airport expansion, the $170 million terminal redevelopment and the Gateway Precinct development will remain key projects during this transition. Edmondstone has said that the airport has a strong vision, an experienced team and several transformational projects under way.

He has also described Sunshine Coast Airport as an important community asset supporting one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. Those comments underline the operational and regional context in which the next chief executive will take office. The appointment has therefore been tied closely to established projects, existing strategy and the continuation of development already being delivered across the airport through 2027 onwards.

Sunshine Coast Airport Enters Its Next Infrastructure Phase

Sunshine Coast Airport is preparing for a carefully structured leadership change while major infrastructure work remains in progress. Tony Edmondstone will bring airport, infrastructure and commercial experience when he assumes the chief executive role in 2027. His appointment will coincide with continued work on the $170 million terminal redevelopment, the Gateway Precinct and the wider Airport expansion programme.

With Chris Mills due to depart in November 2026, leadership succession has been established ahead of the next development phase. The appointment connects senior aviation experience with projects already under way, while Australia aviation infrastructure investment continues at Sunshine Coast Airport itself.