Queensland Airports Limited Welcomes New Shareholders KKR and Skip Capital

Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) is entering an exciting new chapter with the appointment of global investment firm KKR and the Skip Essential Infrastructure Fund as new shareholders, following the completion of a 74.25% sale stake in the company. 
 
QAL owns and operates Gold Coast, Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports, collectively welcoming more than 8.2 million passengers annually and serving more than 35 domestic and international routes.  
 
QAL Chair Ann Sherry welcomed the new investment partners, acknowledging the contributions of the outgoing shareholders. 
 
“We thank The Infrastructure Fund, State Super and Australian Retirement Trust for their investment in QAL, which has helped transform our airports through significant upgrades, including the expansion of Gold Coast Airport’s terminal, Townsville Airport’s redevelopment and Mount Isa Airport’s security upgrades,” Ms Sherry said. 
 
“With KKR and Skip Capital on board, we are well positioned to continue strengthening our position as a key driver of economic and social growth for Queensland and northern New South Wales.” 
 
As part of the transition, QAL has appointed the following directors to its board, who will join existing director Alan Mulgrew of the Perron Group: 
 

• Andrew Jennings, Managing Director, Asia Pacific Infrastructure, KKR 
• Lu Yan Li, Director, Asia Pacific Infrastructure, KKR 
• Abigail Cleland, Non-Executive Director 
• Shane Guyot, Infrastructure and Real Assets, Skip Capital 
• Sebastian Tringali, Infrastructure and Real Assets, Skip Capital 

QAL Chief Executive Officer Amelia Evans described the change in ownership as an exciting new era for the organisation.  
 
“We look forward to working with our new shareholders to progress our long-term strategy, further elevating our airport group as a significant economic contributor and delivering on our purpose to connect people, places and communities,” said Ms Evans. 
 
Andrew Jennings, Managing Director and Head of Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) Infrastructure, KKR, said, “Our investment in Queensland Airports is a unique opportunity to acquire a high-quality asset that provides critical services in a resilient market with strong macro tailwinds. Queensland Airports plays an important role in connecting Queensland communities to the rest of Australia and beyond. We look forward to collaborating with the Skip Essential Infrastructure Fund, Perron Group and the management team to drive growth initiatives to better serve passengers from Australia and abroad.” 
 
Skip Capital CEO and founder Kim Jackson, said “The Skip Essential Infrastructure Fund is proud to back the Gold Coast, Townsville, Longreach and Mount Isa airports. Alongside delivering critical transport into one of Australia’s highest growth corridors of the Gold Coast, we are excited about our plans for the airport’s offering for residents and tourists, and to drive energy innovation across the group.”
 
The transition of ownership follows a period of strong performance and significant infrastructure upgrades across QAL’s airport group. 
 
Gold Coast Airport has seen over $500 million investment in recent years, including the completion of the southern terminal expansion in 2022. The 2024 Draft Master Plan, which outlines the airport’s 20-year vision, is currently with the Federal Government for approval. Townsville Airport has also experienced record-breaking passenger numbers, underpinned by significant terminal improvements and an approved 2023 Master Plan.