International terminal expansion complete
Christchurch International Airport (CIAL) has expanded to meet the needs of the Christchurch and South Island community with the new international terminal expansion completely operational.
The approximately $20 million terminal expansion has given the airport four additional air bridge services, created much-needed extra space and increased passenger capacity by 37 per cent.
The airport has also been successful in attracting additional services from Pacific Blue, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Qantas and Freedom Air. This has helped contribute to an increase of more than 30 per cent in international passenger numbers in the last four months – a big boost for tourism and the local economy.
"Take for example Air New Zealand's current three-times-a-week direct Los Angeles service or Emirates' daily Dubai service," says George Bellew, CIAL's chief executive.
"These services are opening the door to new destinations for all sorts of travellers. We've experienced record-breaking passenger numbers but we need to be focused on the future," Mr Bellew says. "We have a team of people currently very busy preparing the business case seeking board and shareholder approval for a major rework of our passenger terminals – making sure that we are match fit for the future."
Glenn Wedlock, CIAL marketing manager says, "We're working hard to bring new services and extra capacity into Christchurch and the South Island by launching joint partnership promotions in America, Asia and Australia."
Christchurch International Airport is 75% owned by the Council, one of six trading companies held through Christchurch City Holding Ltd. Dividends from the six firms average about $30 million a year.
For more information about the Council's shareholdings, look on the web at www.ccc.govt.nz/ChristchurchCityHoldings
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