Successful as a business operation

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33957, 25 September 1975, Page 13

Successful as a business operation

Christchurch Airport is a successful business operation which over the last 15 years has been able to finance its own growth from revenue sources.

During that period and with the completion of the terminal extensions, more than s9m will have been spent on major airport improvements from its own resources.

It is operated on a joint venture basis: the Government subsidises capital works on a 50-50 basis, and provides operational aids and services. According to the airport general manager (Mr A. I. R. Jamieson) it is anticipated that a further slom will be provided from revenue over the next six years. NEW WORKS New works planned over the next few years include: additional facilities for wide-bodied aircraft (including land purchase, reading, runway, apron and taxiway extensions, and National Airways needs) estimated to cost $1.25m; a new international terminal at an estimated $4.5m; a multi-storied car parking

building for slm; The resiting of Airwork fN.Z.) Ltd, and extending the Air New Zealand inflight kitchen, a further $650,000. An area of 40 acres to the north-east of the airfield has been ’'protected” for the future needs ’of National Airways and its s2om building programme over the next 10 years. During August more than 63,000 cu. m of spoil have been removed and a

contract will shortly be awarded for the first stage of the hangar and workshop blocks. Occupancy of the first hangar, estimated to cost $X2m, is expected in early 1977. FARM INCOME

Even though the airport’s farming activities might amuse some, this'innovation continues to grow and this year about 2500 ewes will be ’ carried. Although farm income will be down this year $25,00P to $30,000 will be earnefi from this venture. The concept of providing a '‘mini-city” with all the facilities and amenities people need, has proved successful and revenueearning. Terminal concessions, rents and parking account for half the airport income.