BIKE and scooter enthusiasts got a once in a life time opportunity yesterday - to ride their mode of transport of choice on the tarmac of Whitsunday Coast Airport.

And there was much more on offer at the Funday on the Runway community event which marked the official beginning of the $40 million airport upgrade.

The community were treated to cockpit tours of a Russian World War two air plane and an R66 turbine helicopter, in addition to face painting, delicious food, a glimpse of the airport upgrade plans, and a video showing of 'Utopia' which was a promotional visual representation of the Whitsundays following Cyclone Debbie.

The family friendly film "Zootopia" was also screened to the enjoyment of the community.

A chance to meet Paralympic gold medal winner David Nicholas was also presented to cycling enthusiasts attending the event.

Young aeroplane enthusiast Nicholas Sainsbury managed to tick one experience of his bucket list when he got a chance to have a look inside the C172 cessna plane cockpit.

Mr Sainsbury said he had always had a interest in planes and was mulling over a possible career in the field while conceding he still had a little while before he decides.

"I've never been inside a small aircraft like this before. I've been inside of a larger aircraft but nothing like this," he said.

"It's quite impressive that you can fit so much stuff in there and how it is so reliable.

"(What interests me) is the fact that the wings with all the weight and everything can lift an aircraft which is extremely heavy."

The man behind the mission to create an Airlie Beach Dome cinema Ron Harris brought his R-66 helicopter to the event and gave the community a chance to have an inside view of the helicopter he relies upon to capture 360 degree panoramic views of the region to be showcased on the big screen.

Mr Harris said the feedback from kids and parents at the event was positive.

"They are just happy to sit in the helicopter and take some photos. We have had a great reaction and people got a chance to look at the jet engine. It has been very popular," he said.

Mr Harris said he was expecting the delivery of a 5m Dome Cinema to arrive by the end of next week.

People were also treated to an aerobatic plane performance conducted by CQ Adventure Flights which had it all from aerial flips, and upside down tricks.

As to the purpose of the event, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox proudly turned over the first sod of the project and said the commencement of the Whitsunday Coast Airport upgrade was a proud moment for the region.

Cr Willcox acknowledged the contribution from the Queensland Government and thanked Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, Treasurer Curtis Pitt and Tourism Minister Kate Jones for helping to make it happen.

"Without these four people the $15 million grant for this airport would not have happened," he said.

"I also thank (Whitsunday MP) Jason Costigan for being here today."

The five stage airport upgrade comes at an overall cost of $40 million and will consist of a 75mm asphalt overlay on top of the runway, which will be grooved to offer better weather protection.

Inside the terminal there will be an increase in the size of the security area, a doubling of the size of the departure lounge, larger toilet facilities and a doubling of the baggage carousel area.

Cr Willcox said the upgrades would come a long way toward accommodating for future growth.

"In 2016-17 we had our sixth consecutive year of growth with 351,000 passengers through the terminal and we have our sights firmly set on the half a million figure in the next two years," he said.

"My council has done its homework and due diligence and now we are getting on with the job of re-shaping the airport for the future."

The project works will be carried out at night and will cause no delay to ordinary day time flights.

Labor candidate for Whitsunday Bronwyn Taha said the project was an important step forward.

"I think it is necessary to promote our tourism industry here in the Whitsundays as this is not only going to bring more visitors to the region but create more local jobs," she said.

"Labor has a proven track record of investing in this airport."

The event was well attended by the community and councillors Jan Clifford, Ron Petterson and Deputy Mayor John Collins.