Airport realising traffic growth

Press, 9 November 1988, Page 12

Airport realising traffic growth

By

DAVE WILSON

Christchurch International Airport is experiencing strong traffic growth, with international passenger numbers in September up 25 per cent on the same month last year.

The airport company Chief Executive, Mr George Bellew, says the trend of international passenger growth through Christchurch in the year to September has averaged a 9.6 per cent growth. An increase in direct services to Christchurch is part of the reason for the growth and as well as the four international airlines already flying to Christchurch, two more are likely to inaugurate a Christchurch link. Thai Airways is a strong contender for a JakartaChristchurch service from December and the Indonesian carrier, Garuda, yesterday announced

plans for a direct link with Christchurch in 1990. Yesterday Air New Zealand inaugurated a direct Singapore - Chritchurch service. Mr Bellew said the increasing frequency of international services was spurring growth to the South Island’s main airport. Garuda Indonesia this week began its first New Zealand service, to Auckland, and plans a second weekly service to Indonesia by the middle of next year, with a Christchurch link to follow in 1990. Air New Zealand, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and British Airways al-

ready operate services; the airport company was enthusiastic to win more traffic, said Mr Bellew. “One ambition is a direct Japan-Christchurch service. We believe there is justification for a link such as this and we,., are speaking to several carriers.” The airport company’s objective was to secure for Christchurch the maximum market share possible from international traffic. “The South Island has a lot to offer visitors and we intend to aggressively market the facilities here,” he said. While Garuda Indonesia

was talking of a Christchurch service in 1990, the airport company hoped to see the link established next year. “As far as international traffic is concerned, Christchurch could comfortably take a 10 per cent growth every year. Any more than that could also be accommodated — we would simply bring forward our timetable of building expansion. We are determined to keep ahead in the market.” More international services between Christchurch and the West Coast of the United States were also on the company’s. priority list, he added.