And the airport's managing director, Stephen Byron, has won an award for the most outstanding contribution to the airport sector.

Airport staff are celebrating the awards, made at the industry's national conference in Darwin this month.

The Capital Airport Group bought the airport from the federal government in 1998 and recently completed the construction of a new terminal, investing $480 million over the past four years.

The redevelopment of the terminal precinct, called ''AirVolution'', is said to be the largest private sector investment in Canberra's history.

Delegates to the National Airport Industry conference were told the redevelopment had delivered a world-class terminal.

''The judges described this project as incredible, classy and architecturally sound; they believe that Canberra Airport has indeed built a Capital City Airport,'' delegates were told when the awards were announced.

Mr Byron, who accepted the award, was then feted as a high achiever.

Delegates were told he had contributed significantly not only to his local community but also to the regional economy.

''He has led the transformation of his airport into a world-class facility that has not only significantly improved the experience for air travellers, but has also created exciting new opportunities for business,'' they were told.

''He thinks ahead of the curve, even turning the first sod for the high-speed rail service that no government, yet, has committed to build.''

Mr Byron said: ''Excellence has underpinned everything we have done to achieve our vision to have the best small airport in the world.''

Mr Byron said he was particularly pleased the award coincided with Canberra's centenary.

''[This is] another reason for our city to celebrate, and a good-news story for Canberra,'' he said.

''We have delivered a stunning gateway for the national capital that is the platform for economic growth in the future, including direct international flights and low-cost carriers like Jetstar and Tiger.

''This is of critical importance in the current climate where Canberra is looking to diversify its economy and be less reliant on the public sector.''