Airport on a roll

By Chris Hutching

Friday 8th October 2004

More tourists and new services from Qantas, Air New Zealand, Freedom Air, Pacific Blue and Emirates have boosted Christchurch International Airport revenue and profit to record levels.

Christchurch is the only airport to attract all five airline services, which cater for inbound tourists to the South Island and manufactured and fresh produce exports.

The company, majority owned by Christchurch City Council, yesterday reported an after-tax surplus of $14.8 million for the year ended June a 14% increase over last year.

Chairman Syd Bradley said international passenger growth in the first three months of the new financial year was up 41% and the company is focusing on expanding terminals and infrastructure, although it is mindful of rapid changes in the industry and the potential effect of Whenuapai air base near Auckland turning into a commercial airfield.

The company enjoyed an increase in its Standard & Poor's international credit rating to A+.

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