WELLINGTON PREPARING FOR DOUBLING OF PASSENGER TRAFFIC

Wellington Airport has unveiled the master plan that it believes will ensure that it is equipped for growth for the next 20 years.

With its annual passenger traffic expected to double to in excess of 12mppa by 2040, the New Zealand gateway says that it needs to plan for the future now to avoid becoming a victim of its own success and not having the facilities to meet future demand.

The proposed masterplan includes a terminal expansion, runway and taxiway system improvements, new freight facilities, additional aircraft parking stands, and a modern fire station.

Under the plans, a new multi-purpose domestic and international jet terminal would be constructed. The development will extend to the south of the existing terminal, with the surrounding apron and at-grade carparking areas repurposed for jet aircraft.

Meanwhile, the northern parts of the terminal will be converted for regional traffic – essentially ‘flipping’ the terminals around.

By 2040 the airport is expected to double its economic contribution to the region from $2.3 to $4.3 billion per year and facilitating more than 22,000 jobs.

Airport chief executive, Steve Sanderson, says: “The recent terminal expansion has done well to keep pace with domestic growth, but the international facilities are already facing congestion at peak times. The availability of gates is constrained during busy periods and busing of regional passengers is often required.

“The forecast growth will mean demand will exceed existing capacity and we need additional land to accommodate the airport’s operations and the new generation of aircraft that are carrying increasing numbers of passengers more efficiently.”

As an international airport, Wellington has an extremely small 110 hectare footprint compared to Auckland Airport’s 1,500 hectares and Christchurch’s 750 hectares, notes Sanderson.

“This has made us one of the most efficient and innovative airports in the world – but it limits our options. Growth to the south and east is the most feasible option given the airport’s geographical constraints.

“This masterplan sets out our vision to meet the needs of travellers and airlines, but also provide new possibilities and opportunities for the city, the region and New Zealand.”

Talking about the importance of the airport to the city, region and New Zealand, Sanderson says: “Our growth will play a pivotal role in shaping Wellington’s future. Wellington is now a destination in its own right with the city consistently rating as one of the most liveable in the world.

“Now more than ever, growing Wellington’s global connectivity is critical to the city and the country.

“That’s why we’re setting our sights on creating the airport of the future to support business and freight connectivity, increase employment opportunities, support sustainable tourism for New Zealand, improve personal travel options and ultimately enhance Wellington’s links to the world.