Further terminal development

24 August 2004

Auckland Airport announces further terminal development

Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) chief executive officer, Don Huse, today said that the airport company had commenced work on two further construction projects in the international terminal, reflecting the unprecedented growth in passenger numbers travelling through the port.

Don Huse said that after a number of months of planning and development with the Government agencies involved, work was now underway on two projects expected to be complete by the peak Christmas period.

"We have been working with Customs and Immigration, as well as MAF on the areas that needed most urgent attention," he said, "The developments that have now commenced construction will bring about faster processing times and greater passenger capacity at New Zealand's gateway airport."

In the first project, the airport is to reconfigure the emigration, or departures, area in order to more efficiently use the space available. It will increase from 15 to 18 the number of Customs booths available and also create two more Aviation Security Service screening points for a total of six.

The second programme of work occurs in the immigration (arrivals) area, where Auckland Airport will increase the number of Customs primary counters from 25 to 32 and will be reconfiguring the public arrivals area in order to enlarge the amount of space available for Customs secondary screening and MAF processing, with the number of MAF x-ray screening points increasing from seven to eight.

"The changes that we are undertaking will allow for faster passenger processing and the ability to handle the greater number of passengers using Auckland International Airport," Huse commented, "They will provide an enduring welcome to and farewell from New Zealand. These developments are important for both the future of Auckland Airport and the tourism industry in this country."

These latest changes come on top of a raft of developments occurring at Auckland International Airport. The airport is constructing 12 new check-in counters, adding new aircraft hard stand areas capable of fully-servicing either four B747-sized or six mid-sized aircraft, adding a second level to the international pier in order to fully separate arriving and departing passengers and implementing a 100 per cent hold stowed baggage screening programme.

To keep the travelling public informed of developments, a website has been established: www.buildingnewzealandsgateway.com will feature regular updates on construction activity and details of the projects being undertaken.

The airport company announces its annual results this Thursday, 26 August.

ENDS

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