Wellington Airport commits $450M to regional growth

Wellington Airport announced today its plan to invest $450 million over the next 20 years to deliver a premier regional gateway for over 10 million passengers, more than double today’s numbers.

By 2030, Wellington Airport will be making a direct contribution of $1.6 billion per year to our regional economy, with a flow-on impact of $3.1 billion per year. It will generate around 11,500 new jobs in the region, with the airport sustaining a total of 21,000 full-time-equivalent jobs.

The draft 2030 Master Plan, essentially a ‘road map’ for the development of the airport in the next 20 years, lays out a plan of staged, incremental development to match forecasted annual passenger growth of 3.4% per annum.

Infrastructure development will include runway improvements, aircraft parking stands, additional terminal space and car parks and commercial projects.

“The clever design will be great for passengers as all facilities are in one terminal, maintaining the unique Wellington experience of convenient and efficient travel,” said Steven Fitzgerald, CEO.

The terminal will be over 70% larger than today’s to accommodate the more than 10 million passengers. The Airport will retain its “Wild at Heart” personality - when people arrive, they know they are in Wellington. The future design will ensure customers - the travellers - have a quality of experience that meets or exceeds their expectations and represents good value for money.

Mr Fitzgerald emphasised the importance of new generation aircraft and their ability to fly further from the runway, opening new horizons for Wellington travellers and businesses.

He said, “people in the Wellington region want direct long-haul services and we expect new generation aircraft to enable these from the existing runway.” The draft Master Plan does not include extending the runway, although a reserve is identified in the event this position changes in future.

“Convenient and affordable links encourage businesses to set-up in, remain in, and grow in a region - providing jobs and opportunities,” he said. “Strong connectivity - with other parts of New Zealand, our close partners in Australia and the Pacific and with the rest of the World - is critical to the Wellington region’s development.”

It is critical that integrated regional transport policy is developed to enable the airport to grow to its potential. Good airports need good access. Growth in Public Transport features strongly in the draft Plan.

Wellington Airport will work with authorities and public transport providers to ensure the airport is well linked with the region, including the Ngauranga to Airport Corridor Plan.

The draft 2030 Master Plan is available on the airport website www.wellingtonairport.co.nz and feedback will be accepted until 30 August 2009.