New Air Terminal Opened at Ohakea

New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) passengers arriving or departing from Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Ohakea will now do so in comfort and with greater efficiency via a new 5,800 square metre terminal opened at Base Ohakea today by the Minister of Defence, Dr Jonathan Coleman.

At a cost of $12.6 million the terminal replaces the 300 square metre Lockwood building which has served the Air Force diligently for three decades, but has struggled to cope with increasing demands placed on it over the years.

The new terminal will allow passengers and freight to be processed in the same building at a much faster pace.

Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Mike Yardley says, "Over the last few years the RNZAF and the Defence Force have seen the benefit of the introduction of new state of the art aircraft, and world class facilities. At Ohakea this new terminal joins our award winning maintenance and training facilities that support our new NH90 and A109 helicopter fleets."

The building has taken 12 months to construct and, as well as the freight handling area, includes baggage handling carousels, international transfer and customs capability to expedite international and national passenger processing, freight transport and operational activities, plus a secure military communication system.

"The new air terminal will increase NZDF’s agility and capability in deployment and exercise activities, as well as enhance our ability to respond in emergency and disaster situations," says AVM Yardley.

"Later on in the year we start the introduction of our new pilot training capability, including new aircraft and flight simulators, so it is a very exciting time for the Air Force.

"With new aircraft and facilities our talented and dedicated personnel are well placed to meet the requirements of a modern Air Force, one that New Zealand can be proud of and confident that is capable of doing its job both at home and on the international stage," says AVM Yardley.

ENDS

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