the Williamtown RAAF base. Outside of RAAF operating times and Newcastle Airport operating curfew, pilots must co-ordinate movements using a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF). The air traffic control service is provided by RAAF personnel. Runway 12/30 has an available landing distance of with an asphalt surface. Runway 12 is equipped with a Category 1 Instrument landing system incorporating a high intensity approach lighting array to assist aircraft approaching the airport in poor weather conditions. Both ends of the runway are equipped with arrestor wires, although during civil operations, these are not deployed. Aircraft rescue and firefighting services are provided to the airport by the Department of Defence The terminal building is serviced by a taxi rank. Rental car companies also operate from the precinct. As part of the 2005 upgrades, an information desk was incorporated to provide arriving passengers with facilities to book accommodation, connections and receive information on local attractions. Although the information desk is still located in the arrivals terminal, it is no longer serviced by Newcastle Airport staff. Public internet access is provided. Newcastle Airport is served by bus services operated by Hunter Valley Buses and Port Stephens Coaches. Previous renovations were completed in 2015 which consisted of refurbishing the existing terminal. A newsagent and specialty gift store was built, as well as six food and beverage outlets. Security screening was relocated to separate the check-in hall from the departures lounge. Expansion In May 2021, the Australian Government announced a $55 million upgrade to the international terminal at Newcastle Airport, The expansion will make the terminal able of facilitating large aircraft capable of flying to Asia, the United States and the Middle East. In July 2022, Newcastle Airport announced its interest to begin direct flights to Singapore. Airlines and destinations Operations Accidents and incidents On 2 October 1994, a Rockwell Commander 690B operating for Seaview Air with flight number CD111 departed Newcastle (Williamtown) Airport for Lord Howe Island. The aircraft carried a pilot and 8 passengers. Radio contact with the aircraft was lost during the flight, and a search and rescue operation was declared. Two days later, debris was found floating on the sea near the aircraft's last known position. The Bureau of Air Safety Investigation (predecessor of Australian Transport Safety Bureau) report into the incident uncovered alarming information about how the flight was conducted. The aircraft was 220 kg over maximum takeoff weight, the pilot