Domestic travel up almost 20% at Chch Airport

Domestic travel up almost 20% at Christchurch Airport

Christchurch International Airport Ltd has reported domestic passenger growth of almost 20% compared with October last year. While international volumes have decreased by 3%, in line with national and international trends in the current economic climate, growth in the domestic market has occurred over and above the recent increase in seat capacity.

CIAL's General Manager Marketing & Business Development, Gareth Owen, says it's pleasing to see that an increase in affordable airfares in the market has stimulated domestic travel. "Amidst news of economic doom and gloom, it is reassuring to see that New Zealanders are increasingly travelling domestically and on the Tasman routes, with the increase in domestic competition growing the market as expected".

The Tasman route has held steady for the month, with no change in passenger numbers compared with last year. Competition for passengers has increased recently, with Jetstar, for example, increasing services into Brisbane and the Gold Coast to grow the leisure travel market.

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buchanan says the airline's trans-Tasman service from Christchurch has been one of Jetstar's most successful routes over three years of operation. "Our Christchurch operations, which have performed ahead of expectation, are the catalyst for the Jetstar brand to further grow on the competitive trans-Tasman market," Mr Buchanan said.

For the month of October, domestic travel increased 19.4% on October 2007. International passenger volumes fell by 3.4%. Overall for the month of October, passenger volumes through Christchurch Airport increased by 12.4%.

ENDS

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