PLANS for a major upgrade of the Whitsunday Coast Airport took a major leap forward at last week's council meeting.

A decision was made to award a $23 million runway upgrade tender to Fulton Hogan Industries.

Approval of a Whitsunday Regional Council application for $24.5 million in funding is needed however, before the project can proceed beyond the design phase.

Should council be unsuccessful in the funding bid, they are able to terminate the contract.

Current scope of work will focus on rebuilding the runway using existing material to improve moisture resistance and overall thickness and strength for current domestic aeroplanes.

The upgrade project is being planned to avoid potential weather interruptions associated with the wet season and to accommodate a potential increase of 250,000 passengers entering and leaving via the airport.

A runway upgrade to facilitate the opening of an international terminal is expected to cost $125 million.

Meanwhile, the council has also farewelled Whitsunday Coast Airport general manager Ben Jones.

Mr Jones has been in the role at the airport since August last year.

A council spokesperson confirmed Mr Jones initially took a couple of weeks off but has now resigned for family reasons.

Mr Jones is expected to return to his family in Roma.

The council is now working to find a replacement.