Christchurch Airport unveils new integrated terminal plans

"This is the largest and most complex capital investment seen in Canterbury in the last 20 years - setting new standards for efficient hub airports in New Zealand and advancing the South Island's position in tourism and air travel" said CIAL chairman Syd Bradley

Construction will require the company to operate its normal business with minimum disruption to its customers. The airport company seeks patience and understanding throughout the construction phase. "At the end of the day the development will be worth it and Canterbury will have an asset that's easily accessible for our customers - something the public can really be proud of" said Mr Bradley

The airport plays an integral role in Canterbury, the South Island and New Zealand tourism and economic development. The airport, airlines, the public and shareholders recognised that to deliver growth and leading standards of service to airlines and travellers, the airport facilities needed a major upgrade. "As a company, we need to be in a strong position to compete with other national airports as airlines respond to the needs and requirements of its customers"

"We have listened to feedback from our customers and the public and have consulted extensively with airlines, airport planning experts and our shareholders to develop the most efficient, effective and best value hub airport for South Island travellers, tourists, exporters and for business and the community in general" Mr Bradley added.

"The development plans combined with our growth in air services, unrestricted and safe 24 hour operation and integrated domestic and international facilities places us in an enviable position internationally."

The airport development provides significantly improved operations for airlines and enhanced services and facilities for our customers and users of the airport campus in vehicle parking, retail, food and beverage, baggage and passenger flows, efficiency of check-in and easy transfer.

CIAL chief executive George Bellew said the airport, which achieved a record 5.5 million passengers this year, is providing a future proofed facility delivering the best service to travellers and airlines while keeping the costs of travel low. "We work very closely with airlines on growth and appropriate services for the region. Our focus is on partnerships and developing the right mix of air services, facilities and efficiencies as well as being able to offer airlines price levels unchanged since 2001."

Mr Bellew added that the airport development is to be financed from its balance sheet and it will not require any investment from the shareholders or ratepayers. "The focus of the airport and our shareholders is to develop an asset that is effective, affordable and provides for the future of air travel in the region."

The development now moves on to detailed design and resource consent approvals with construction due to start with a car park building in early 2006.

As well as the new car park building key features of the development include new combined domestic and international check-in hall, new domestic terminal, new international/domestic "swing" gates, new control tower, modern efficient baggage handling systems incorporating the latest in security equipment, a large combined retail precinct for international and domestic travellers, short walking distances, convenient gate lounges and quick transfers between international and domestic flights.

"I think the public will be amazed at the eventual transformation of this airport, how efficiently it will work for airlines and travellers and what we will have achieved compared to other regions. " Mr Bellew added.

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