Newcastle Airport: Hunter businesses look to Singapore as $95 billion regional economy targets global growth

Newcastle Airport will lead a Hunter delegation to Singapore from 27 September to 2 October, taking the region’s investment opportunities, industry capability and appetite for stronger international connections directly to one of Asia’s leading business and aviation hubs.

The 20-strong delegation will bring together representatives from Newcastle Airport, Business Hunter, Committee for the Hunter, the University of Newcastle, government, tourism and regional industry to meet with Singaporean businesses, investors and key stakeholders and present a united proposition for the Hunter.

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said Newcastle Airport is a platform for regional opportunity and strengthening international relationships is an important part of creating more opportunities for the Hunter.

“Ahead of the mission we approached businesses across the region to better understand their existing connections with Singapore, the opportunities they want to pursue and the barriers limiting greater international activity,” Mr Horton said.

“We already knew the importance businesses place on improved international air connectivity from Newcastle but we also found considerable interest in deeper trade, investment and business relationships with Singapore and other Asian markets.

“Singapore is an important opportunity for a region with the scale and capability to compete internationally and we are going to Singapore to focus on genuine opportunities to open doors that can deliver real outcomes for Hunter businesses.

“Singapore is a major global aviation, investment and business hub and this mission gives us an opportunity to put the Hunter’s strengths directly in front of the people and organisations that can help create new connections.

“More direct connectivity is, of course, a key priority as travelling through Sydney or another Australian gateway adds time, cost and complexity to doing business internationally.”

The Melt Co-Owner, Director and Chief Operations Officer Brett Thomas said the Hunter Region is rapidly proving itself as a premier destination for advanced manufacturing and clean tech investment. 

“At The Melt, we see firsthand the immense potential of local scaleups to solve global challenges and attract international capital,” Mr Thomas said.

“Establishing direct flight paths between Newcastle and Singapore would be a game-changer for our innovation ecosystem. Direct connectivity dramatically accelerates supply chain timelines and opens seamless access to Asian markets and global investors, positioning the Hunter as a true hub for international trade.

“This trade delegation represents a critical opportunity to showcase our region's capability on the global stage, driving investment directly back into local manufacturing and job creation.”

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said hearing directly from businesses had helped sharpen the delegation’s focus. “We wanted to understand which businesses are already working with Singapore, where relationships already exist and where Hunter businesses see potential to build new commercial opportunities,” Mr Hawes said.

“The feedback has given us a clearer picture of what businesses need, the barriers they face and the types of connections that could make a difference.

“We know that business partnerships and joint ventures are a leading area of interest, alongside attracting investment and increasing exports of Hunter goods and services. Separate trade documentation research has also identified Hunter businesses already trading with, or supporting trade with, Singapore across sectors including food and beverage, wine, logistics, environmental technology and biotechnology.

“We will arrive in Singapore ready to showcase the Hunter’s capability, pursue genuine commercial opportunities and help open the right doors.”

The delegation includes Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton, Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson, City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris, Committee for the Hunter CEO Alice Thompson, Dantia CEO Tim Browne and representatives from the University of Newcastle, alongside other regional and industry leaders.

The Hunter delegation will travel to Singapore from this Sunday, 27 September to 2 October 2026.

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“The Hunter Region Singapore Trade and Connectivity Mission is an opportunity to showcase the Hunter’s strengths, explore new opportunities and build the partnerships that will support future jobs, investment and growth.

“Newcastle Airport and the delegates of this mission are ambassadors for one of Australia’s most innovative and go-getting regional economies. This mission is an opportunity to showcase the Hunter’s strengths, explore new opportunities and build the partnerships that will support future jobs, investment and growth.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“Being Australia’s largest regional economy, with a Gross Regional Product of more than $95 billion and world-class capability across a diverse range of industries, makes the Hunter an attractive proposition for Singapore’s international business and investment market.

“This mission will build relationships that can attract investment, create opportunities and support more jobs and economic growth here at home.”

Lord Mayor of Newcastle Cr Gavin Morris (attending the delegation) said:
“Newcastle and the Hunter have a genuine opportunity in front of us in Singapore, and part of my job as Lord Mayor is making sure we're in the room when those opportunities are being discussed.

"Singaporean leaders have told us they want to deal with the Hunter as a region, with one strong, coordinated voice. So our mission is simple: we’re going there to sell the Hunter, together.

“It's about more international visitors, better pathways for Hunter businesses into Asian markets, and putting ourselves in the best position for more international flights, investment, and jobs. Opportunities don't come looking for you. Sometimes you must go out and create them, and that's what this mission is about.”

Mayor of Port Stephens Cr Leah Anderson (attending the delegation) said:
"Port Stephens is already celebrated as a premier visitor destination. By joining this delegation, we’re positioning Port Stephens at the forefront of global conversations about tourism growth, strategic property development and long-term infrastructure investment across the Hunter. 

"We’re particularly excited to showcase our region's unique eco-tourism opportunities. This mission isn't just about growing our visitor economy; it’s about driving targeted commercial trade and unlocking new capital investment that supports our local business community and strengthens our long-term regional economy. 

"The outcomes of this mission will deliver lasting economic and social benefits for our Port Stephens community and the Hunter Region."