25 November 2016

Air New Zealand will test Wellington runway extension consent application

Air New Zealand will today notify the Environment Court that it will seek to be represented at the upcoming hearings of the resource consent application for the proposed Wellington Airport runway extension.

Air New Zealand believes the application made by Wellington Airport not only fails to present the full facts but also contains serious analytical flaws.

The airline will present additional information to the Court in the interests of fully informed deliberations.

Air New Zealand Chief Strategy, Networks and Alliances Officer Stephen Jones says, “As an airline we are usually supportive of airport developments, but this idea has no customers and no business case, and is therefore deserving of very close scrutiny.”

“The Wellington Airport application does not fairly represent the likely usage by airlines or the proposed economic benefits of the proposal. Air New Zealand is in a position to ensure both sides of the story are presented and that is what we are seeking to do.”

Air New Zealand will submit a s274 notice to the Environment Court before the deadline of 5pm today.

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