"Investigation Into Sydney Airport Begins Today"

Wednesday, August 2, 2000

Investigation Into Sydney Airport Begins Today
Australia-Melbourne Age


Independent power supply experts will begin investigating the trouble-prone
air traffic control systems at Sydney Airport today.

Transport Minister John Anderson has ordered the experts in, as well as a
general review, because of growing concerns about the airport's ability to
operate properly during the Olympics.

It follows another power failure yesterday that left the airport at a
standstill for about 80 minutes during the morning peak period.

All international and domestic departures were halted and some approaching
aircraft were diverted elsewhere.

Fifteen aircraft were left waiting in the air over Sydney and some planes
were diverted to Canberra or Newcastle or returned to their departure point.

Batteries kicked in when the mains power failed, but two back-up generators
which should have provided more power than the batteries were out of service
or failed.

Announcing the review, Mr Anderson said he wanted assurances the airport
would be free of trouble in time for the busy Olympics Games period in
September and October.

The experts going in today must report back by Tuesday.

Mr Anderson said he had first ordered the review after a serious power
outage on July 6 when both mains and back-up generators at the airport
failed, blacking out air traffic control operations for 12 minutes.

Unions blamed both failures on continuing job cuts and the outsourcing of
maintenance contracts at the airport.

New South Wales Premier Bob Carr demanded a federal inquiry, including into
how to prevent a repeat of the incident during the Olympics, when air
traffic into Sydney will be at full capacity.

Airservices Australia said it was investigating today's incident, but said
unlike the incident last month the power failure posed no safety risk.

Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) national aviation officer Alistair
Waters said massive staff cuts and contracting out work was risking safety
at the airport.

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