Aero Club and Airport Owner Reach an Accord on Airport Future

Kapiti Districts Aero Club Inc (KAC) President Graeme Barrell and Paraparaumu Airport Limited (PAL) Director Noel Robinsonsay an agreement has been reached between them, which goes a long way to ending more than a decade of uncertainty over the future of Paraparaumu Airport.

Both parties are committed to working together in good faith to foster further airport development.

Graeme Barrell said the proposed upgrading of Paraparaumu Airport is the most significant development for general aviation in the Wellington Region since the airport’s sale by the Crown in 1995.  He also commented that the Kapiti Aero Club was now in a position to implement its expansionary flight training plans.  The worldwide shortage of commercial pilots presents opportunities for the club to expand its training facilities.

“This agreement means that as local aviators we can see the benefits to regional aviation that will occur,” Graeme Barrell said.

PAL Director Noel Robinson added that, “The objective all along has been the retention of the airport for the benefit of the community and we can now look forward to Kapiti having a fully functional regional airport that will help all sections of the aviation sector thrive and grow as well as creating local jobs.

 “I’m very pleased that KAC and PAL(Paraparaumu Airport Limited) agree that the Plan Change is the best way to ensure the Airport is retained and reaches its full potential.

 “It’s an exciting chance to build something wonderful for the whole community and not have it funded by ratepayers,” Mr Robinson said.

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