Christchurch Airport targets new growth markets

Christchurch Airport targets new growth markets

Christchurch International Airport experienced a new record month with international passenger movements reaching 159,103 for January 2005 - a 33 per cent increase from the same period last year.

Growth is largely due to the development of new services and an aggressive marketing strategy. The entry of airlines like Pacific Blue and Emirates have provided a great boost to our passenger numbers and we expect this trend to continue said chief executive George Bellew.

In year ended December 2004, Christchurch Airport successfully attracted new services from Air New Zealand, Emirates, Pacific Blue, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Freedom Air.

New airlines and services have not only attracted international markets but also given a greater number of South Island residents the chance to head overseas said Bellew. The number of New Zealanders flying from Christchurch Airport increased by a whopping 52 per cent in the year ended December 2004. Our focus is to continue developing the best possible service for our customers while encouraging opportunities for growth in the region.

Despite Pacific Blues upcoming entry into Auckland Airport, Christchurch International Airport aims to continue building markets.

We've worked hard in the Australian market and attracted 43 per cent growth in the last 12 months, a 4 per cent gain in market share largely at the expense of Auckland International Airport said marketing manager Glenn Wedlock.

Were also about to launch new promotional campaign currently targeting the high growth North Asian market into the South Island - a market where majority of the growth in the past has gone to Auckland Airport says Wedlock.

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