The new owners of Mungalalu North Kimberley Airport, formerly known as Truscott Airfield, are seeking government and industry support to expand the facility into a major aviation and defence hub in Western Australia's northern Kimberley region.

Located on the Anjo Peninsula, approximately 330 kilometres north-west of Kununurra, the airfield was originally constructed in secrecy in 1944 during the Second World War to support Allied air operations against Japanese forces.

The airfield was named after Keith "Bluey" Truscott, a former Melbourne VFL footballer who became a decorated Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot during the war. Truscott died in a flying accident off Exmouth in March 1943.

Following the war, the airfield was abandoned before being redeveloped during the 1980s to support offshore oil and gas operations.

Today, the airport services several offshore energy projects, including Crux, Montara and Blacktip. It has also previously supported operations involving the Australian Army, Army Reserve and Australian Border Force.

The facility operates on land leased from the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation, representing the Traditional Owners of the area.

The airport currently has an 1,800-metre sealed all-weather runway, aircraft hangars, helicopter aprons and accommodation for approximately 120 people. It handles around 25,000 passengers annually.

Norwest Connect, established by Luke Gleeson, Peter Nixon and Rupert Kerr, acquired the facility approximately 15 months earlier and has since upgraded its electricity, water and information technology infrastructure. The company has also established a freight connection with Darwin through a new barge service.

Its proposed expansion includes extending the runway to accommodate larger jet aircraft, improving aviation fuel and medical facilities, and providing dedicated operational areas for the Australian Defence Force.

The owners believe the airport could play an important role in supporting Australia's northern defence capabilities, particularly given its location between Darwin and Derby and its proximity to almost $60 billion worth of offshore energy infrastructure.

Norwest Connect presented its plans at the Land Forces defence exhibition in Perth, seeking support from industry and government agencies. Potential funding assistance could include the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility.

The proposal has also received support from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, which previously recommended that Truscott be recognised as critical national infrastructure and incorporated into Australia's defence planning.

The expansion remains a proposal, with its future dependent on securing government and industry support.